San Juan’s title hopes dim

MANILA, Philippines — San Juan’s dream of capturing the MPBL title this season took a grim twist with two key players leaving to pursue opportunities overseas. While Gerry Abadiano will continue to play until the end of this month before moving to Korea, Mike Phillips left the team after his two-game Gilas stint to transfer to Japan.

Abadiano asked permission from San Juan management to go to Korea and was allowed even if his contract had a no opt-out clause. “Gerry has a family with two kids at nagpaalam ng maayos,” said a Knights team official. “He’ll play with us until the end of July.”

Phillips averaged 8.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, two assists, 1.3 blocks and 23.6 minutes in 10 games with San Juan. In a letter to the Knights dated last July 10 addressed “to whom it may concern,” Phillips cited clauses in his San Juan contract to declare his withdrawal “effectively immediately upon receipt of this notice.” He requested for his release from all contractual obligations, a requirement for FIBA clearance to join another league. His brother Ben contacted San Juan and Gilas officials to advise of the decision.

The day after arriving from playing in the recent FIBA window, Phillips was shown on CCTV leaving the Shaw Boulevard condo where he was billeted by San Juan early morning with a backpack and luggage. He never informed the Knights of his departure and has been incommunicado with his brother explaining the decision to “disconnect for a few days to recharge his mind and body.”

San Juan management said Phillips was treated with utmost respect and given more than what was contracted. A personal trainer was even hired to hone his skills. “If only Mike talked to us, we would’ve allowed him to play wherever he wants anyway except for another MPBL team,” said San Juan management. “We hired him in good faith. Wala kaming pagkukulang sa kaniya.” The understanding was Phillips would finish the MPBL season then join the PBA draft next year. Before joining San Juan, there was apprehension that Phillips would use the MPBL as a way to secure his Gilas stint which is a requirement for a Fil-foreigner to play in Japan. In the FIBA qualifiers, Phillips averaged four points, 8.5 rebounds and 17.7 minutes in two games, shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 0-of-4 from the line.