Ronald Tubid’s comeback proved to be short-lived as he will no longer play for Terrafirma in Leg 5 of the PBA 3×3 Second Conference this weekend.
The 40-year-old suited up for the Dyip in the previous leg two weeks ago as he filled in for forward Jebb Bulawan, who was out due to a foot issue.
Coming out of a two-year retirement, the nine-time champion scored 15 points in three games, including seven in their stinging 21-20 defeat to Purefoods last March 20 that saw him nearly carry his team to the quarterfinals.
Bulawan is back for Terrafirma, rejoining Dhon Reverente, Terrence Tumalip, and Jeremiah Taladua for the April 2-3 hostilities at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
But Tubid, who also serves as the Dyip’s team manager, is still listed as a reserve, according to the list of lineups released by the league on Friday.
Another change Terrafirma is set to bring in Joe Lipa as head coach.
This as Raymond Tiangco is currently in Letran’s bubble as he is an assistant coach of Bonnie Tan.
Also tweaking its lineup is Leg 4 champions Meralco, who has brought in Maclean Sabellina in lieu of key big man Alfred Batino.
Bolts head coach Patrick Fran disclosed shortly after the previous stop that Batino got beset by plantar fasciitis, and that apparently remains an issue for the Cebuano cager with the team’s decision to bring Sabellina in his place.
Himself a seasoned competitor in the halfcourt game, Sabellina will help Tonino Gonzaga, Dexter Maiquez, and Joseph Sedurifa in their repeat bid.
The other MVP teams have shuffled their squads as well. Leg 4 third-placers TNT have brought back Chris Javier for Rey Mark Acuno, while Larry Fonacier has taken over the spot of the injured AC Soberano in CAVITEX.
Not to be outdone are the SMC ball clubs. Purefoods will parade the tried and tested tandem of Val Acuna and Jed Mendoza, as Ginebra and San Miguel Beer will roll with Jollo Go and Mon Rogado once more, respectively.
Master Sardines, looking to improve their quarterfinal finish from Leg 4, have called up Jeff Comia for Cyrus Tabi. Sista, on the other hand, won’t play with lead gunner Leo De Vera and will instead have Jamil Gabawan.
The Fishing Champs won’t have head coach Vic Ycasiano as he is focusing on Atami Sardines’ campaign in the Filbasket Summer Championship.
Hubert Delos Santos will take charge in lieu of Ycasiano.
