ANTIPOLO — Matthew Wright is never closing his doors on a PBA comeback.
The star guard still intends to finish his career in Asia’s pioneering pro league where he played for six years, all of which with Phoenix Super LPG.
“I’d like to, definitely, finish my career here someday,” he said.
Wright paid the Fuel Masters a visit in their Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup game versus Rain or Shine Saturday at the Ynares Center here.
And he seemingly was the lucky charm as his team won, 99-98.
“I just came to support some long-time friends,” he said. “It was good to see old teammates, guys whom I went to battle with for six years. Coaches, ball boys.”
Head coach Jamike Jarin was, of course, happy to see his former star in attendance.
“Matthew Wright will always be family to us,” he said.
“He’s a great player, he’s doing great in Japan. We wish him well. It’s nice to see him support and watch the game. He’s always gonna be an inspiration not only to us, the Phoenix team, but to a lot of younger basketball generations to come.”
Taking advantage of the B.League break, the 32-year-old flew to Manila with his family but did not tell anyone, making it a pleasant surprise for Phoenix.
“I was here for a week. I didn’t tell anybody,” he said. “I just wanted to come here with my family and enjoy the break in the B.League. Just, you know, reconnect with friendships. Even though you leave, those friendships last.”
He was pleased with what he saw from the present-day Fuel Masters, even though there were only a few familiar faces from the last time he played for them — Jason Perkins, RJ Jazul, RR Garcia, Tyler Tio, to name some.
(C) PBA Images
“It’s refreshing to see that new guys are getting opportunities,” he said before praising the moves and draft picks of the team this year. “I think Phoenix made some big roster moves. I think they drafted very well this year.
“I think Kenneth Tuffin is a great addition. Ricci, you know I was kinda surprised that he fell that far in the Draft and we picked him up which is good. Tyler Tio is slowly becoming the face of the franchise and everybody sees that. I saw potential in him when he was a rookie when I was in my last couple of conferences, I knew that he’s gonna be the leader of this team. And obviously, Jason Perkins is their best player. He’s gonna be consistent all the time.
“It’s good to see Coach Jamike being the head coach now, he was an assistant when I was here. I’m happy for him. I think the organization is doing everything they can to be successful and become competitive,” he added.
Wright, though, will be flying back to Japan this Sunday to resume the B.League season.
He’s keen on helping Kyoto Hannaryz rise to the standings, as they are currently dead last in the Western Conference with a 3-11 record.
But he’ll return soon.
(C) Kyoto Hannaryz
“I’m coming back here at the end of the season. I’ll stay here for the rest of the summer. After that, I’m still under contract in Japan. I’m looking to play there as long as I can,” he said.
“I love the league there. It’s a great league. It’s growing. I think it’s gonna be the best league in Asia within the next two or three years — maybe even sooner,” added the 2020 PBA Mythical First Team member.
What about coming back to the PBA sooner, though?
“I still keep track of the PBA. I still keep in touch with the guys,” he said.
“I think I’m still technically under contract with Phoenix. Once I do come back to the PBA, they still own my rights. We’ll see what happens.”
