PHOENIX Super LPG was ravaged hard by the recent rash of COVID infections and coach Topex Robinson could only find solace in the fact the “attack” came while the PBA is on a break.
“Grabe nangyari sa amin, medyo mabigat. Good thing doon, nangyari sa amin ng maaga,” Robinson told Malaya-Business Insight.
“Seventeen out of around 35 na nag-pa-test sa amin positive. Medyo nadale kami,” added Robinson.
“Kumbaga kung hindi na-cancel ang games malamang matutulad kami sa Alaska. Maghahabol kami ng games.”
Robinson was referring to what the Aces went through in the last Philippine Cup when seven of their players were affected by the league’s health and safety protocols. As a result, they had to play catch-up, including playing three games in as many days.
No such problem is in store for Phoenix as the PBA decided to put all its Governors Cup games on hold since Jan. 5 while the COVID cases remain unbridled and the earliest the conference could resume is by later next month.
“By this time naman, mga players na nag-positive sa amin okay naman sila so far,” related Robinson. “Test na sila (today) so hopefully they’ll be cleared. Saka majority naman sa kanila are asymptomatic.”
Robinson also welcomed the unscheduled break as it gives import Paul Harris enough time to heal from a slight hamstring strain and enhances the chances of Sean Anthony finally seeing action for his new team.
“Si Paul he was diagnosed with a mild hamstring injury, which requires him to rest for three weeks. So if you’re gonna base it there from our last game, which was Christmas, most likely by the third week of January he’ll be okay. So medyo pabor sa amin iyon,” said Robinson.
“Even Sean. Ang projection namin sa kanya hindi talaga siya aabot itong conference na ito. But with the conference being delayed baka umabot si Sean.”
Anthony was acquired from NorthPort in a trade last November that was basically centered around Vic Manuel, who eventually was dealt to San Miguel Beer.
The Fil-Canadian, who turns 36 on Jan. 26, underwent a long-delayed ankle surgery immediately after coming over to Phoenix, a procedure that revealed other injuries that required ample rest.
“’Yung inoperahan sa kanya okay na. Pero may mga injuries siya before na lumabas. Kasi he was favoring that injury na inoperahan so nadamay iba,” offered Robinson. “Nu’ng gumaling na ankle niya lumabas na. It took its toll on him. But by early Feb or mid-Feb puwede na siya.”
One thing the freezing of the games curtailed is Phoenix’s bid to follow up its shock 102-93 victory over erstwhile unbeaten leader NLEX last Dec. 25.
“Siyempre we would like to ride ‘yung momentum namin. ‘Yung timing namin was there. Problema ngayon, off-timing lahat,” said Robinson with a wry chuckle.
While scrimmages are also barred at this time to make sure they do their part in preventing the spread of the virus, the Fuel Masters have resorted to individual workouts far below what the PBA allows, which is four players, a coach and a utility staff per set under supervision of a safety officer.
“Small group kasi nga masyadong risky so ang ginagawa namin, more on individual,” offered Robinson. “We are avoiding three or more gatherings. Halimbawa, isang player pupunta sa gym. Siya lang iyon. Wala siyang kasama. May isang safety officer, prepare lang gamit tapos safe distance na siya. Titingnan lang. Not to mingle.”
