Vic Manuel would have loved to team up once more with his best friend Calvin Abueva. But then, some things aren’t really meant to be.
The two missed out on a reunion when the ‘Muscle Man’ landed on Phoenix Super LPG after being traded by Alaska last February — a deal that was consummated just a week after the Fuel Masters shipped his pal to Magnolia.
That would have definitely been a huge 1-2 combination, given how both players have blossomed since their time together with the Aces.
But then again, such wasn’t meant to be. Both players remain as close as ever, still, and their main focus now is helping their new teams.
And that will be put to the test when the Fuel Masters and the Hotshots battle it out in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup action Saturday at Ynares Arena in Pasig.
Abueva and Manuel will be making their respective debuts in the 4:35 p.m. clash, which serves as the main event of a twin bill gameday that will also see the Chot Reyes-mentored TNT and Terrafirma collide at 2:00 p.m.
Abueva, 33, is looking to continue his stellar play from last year’s Philippine Cup bubble, where he became a top candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award after leading Phoenix to another semifinal finish.
Now, he’s undeniably a major boost to a Magnolia side, with many excited to see how his reunion with San Sebastian teammate Ian Sangalang will turn out since their partnership had resulted in numerous titles in the past.
It is also intriguing to see how Abueva will fit in with Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon, and the rest of Coach Chito Victolero’s wards, as the SMC-owned team remains as one of the title contenders this season.
Not to be overshadowed, though, is Manuel, who is seen to take a major role for a Fuel Masters unit that’s looking to pick up where it left off last year.
The 6-foot-4 forward’s addition has definitely made Phoenix’s frontline even tougher, for it also has 2020 Top D-Fender of the Bubble — and Most Improved Player candidate — Justin Chua and Jason Perkins.
Furthermore, his arrival has added more star power to Topex Robinson’s squad, aside from its main man Matthew Wright and new general Banchero.
