CALVIN Abueva was a bundle of energy as usual as he joined the rest of the Phoenix Super LPG squad in their first practice in the PBA bubble on Thursday.
The Fuel Masters were part of the second group of teams that trained at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Thursday along with Terrafirma. Magnolia and Meralco were the first to practice inside the bubble.
Phoenix marked its first practice together in months with the return of Abueva, who made it to the bubble on Tuesday night after initially being scratched from the team’s delegation due to his indefinite suspension.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, however, as Abueva is hoping to get his indefinite suspension lifted soon once his requirements are finally completed.
Phoenix interim coach Topex Robinson said Abueva showed up in his usual energetic form.
“He is always going to be the same guy that will bring so much energy sa practice. ‘Yun ang nature ni Calvin,” said Robinson to SPIN.ph at the conclusion of the team’s practice at the Angeles University Foundation gym.
Prior to the practice at the AUF gym, Abueva went on Instagram to showing his followers his workouts inside his hotel room with the team's trainers. He also trained in a stationary bike to get himself ready for the afternoon practice on Thursday.
Robinson, however, admitted the entire team, including Abueva, remains very far from the game shape that they need to be in come October 11 when the Philippine Cup resumes inside the PBA bubble.
But the Phoenix interim coach understands since the players have not been in an actual practice or scrimmage since the onset of the pandemic in March.
“As expected, the reality is wala pa sa kundisyon kaya maraming tumirik, which is normal,” said Robinson.
As for Abueva's form, Robinson said: “Everybody naman, medyo malayo pa talaga. But I guess, we have to start somewhere, introducing everything and going back to the basics. That’s what’s important for us right now."
With the first day of practice in the bubble now behind them, Robinson looks forward to the daily training which he hopes would sharpen the team in time for the October 11 season restart.
“This is the first time that we are able to be together as a team. For the longest time, small groups kami. Eto ‘yung first time na naka-full practice na kami,” said Robinson, who took over after the firing of Louie Alas.
“We are just so happy to be back. It’s been awhile. ‘Yung excitement, at least nawala na. We can go back to work na,” he added.
Spin fans unite at the Spin Viber Community! Join the growing community now and complete the experience by subscribing to the Spin Chatbot.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
