CALVIN Abueva’s NorthPort debut will have to wait.
The enigmatic forward will not be playing for the Batang Pier on Friday against Grand Slam-aiming TNT in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup, according to head coach Bonnie Tan.
READ: Abueva bound for Ginebra? 'Not in our minds at all,' says Cone
Abueva on Tuesday was traded to NorthPort by Magnolia along with Jerrick Balanza and the Hotshots’ 51st Season second round draft pick in exchange for William Navarro.
Balanza, however, is eligible to play for the Batang Pier's game against the Tropang 5G after being activated in lieu of Agem Miranda.
The team didn't cite the reason for Abueva's absence, although recent social media posts saw him taking care of one of the members of his family who appears to be in a hospital.
Undermanned NorthPort
With Abueva out, the NorthPort will play even more shorthanded for Wednesday’s game, as Arvin Tolentino continues to be out in the Philippine Cup.
The Batang Pier enter the game against TNT with six straight setbacks following a conference-opening win, and are in dire need of a victory to stay alive for the quarterfinals.
The task is expected to be daunting, with the Tropang 5G on a roll, winning four straight games.
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