Abueva debuts with Phoenix vs Columbian

Games Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. – Phoenix vs Columbian 7 p.m. – NLEX vs Magnolia

Calvin Abueva makes his much-awaited debut for Phoenix while early leader NLEX goes for its third straight win today as action in the PBA Governors’ Cup shifts to the familiar confines of the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Abueva hopes to begin a fresh start when the Fuel Masters face the Columbian Dyip at 4:30 p.m. before interim coach Jojo Lastimosa tries to steer the Road Warriors to another win without Yeng Guiao against the debuting Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok at 7 p.m.

Phoenix made headlines prior to the opening of the season-ending tournament when it acquired Abueva from Alaska in exchange for Karl Dehesa and a 2019 first round draft pick.

The six-year forward has reportedly said he feels like a rookie after things turned sour at the end of his stint with Alaska when he was handed an indefinite suspension for his unexplained absences following the Iloilo leg of the All-Star Week in late May.

Fuel Masters coach Louie Alas believes Abueva can make a difference to the squad that will have Eugene Phelps back after suiting up in the Commissioner’s Cup and locals Matthew Wright, RJ Jazul and Rookie of the Year frontrunner Jason Perkins.

Columbian aims to bounce back from a 109-106 loss to Meralco on opening day last Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, with import Akeem Wright expected to lead the charge after scoring 30 points in his first PBA game.