BACK in March, Matthew Wright and the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters were eager and all set to battle the TNT Tropang Giga.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic got in the way forcing the PBA to suspend Season 45 and put the Fuel Masters' Philippine Cup debut in some kind of uncertainty.
Fast forward.
Seven months later, Phoenix finally got to play its first game of the year - a 116-98 blowout at the expense of Meralco at the Angeles University Foundation Gym.
It was quite a performance for the Super LPG Fuel Masters, led by their star guard Matthew Wright, who exploded for 36 points, his highest score in a winning effort.
Sponsored content:
When Wright recorded his career-high of 42 points on May 27, 2017 Phoenix went down in defeat against NLEX, 114-116.
"I was excited, it's been a long layoff. It was a very abrupt layoff because when the season was cancelled, it was the day that we were supposed to play Talk 'N Text. We were ready to go," offered Wright during the regular media availability inside the bubble the morning after their victory.
"Then, all of a sudden biglang the whole season was cut. (This pandemic) was challenging for us to stay in shape and enthusiastic. Coming to the bubble, it was a lot of factors. People miss their families and some may complain about some things in the bubble, but I feel if you truly love the game and you're a real hooper, this is the perfect atmosphere," said Wright, who shot 11 of 23 and made 10 of 11 free throws against Meralco. He also had four rebounds and six assists.
Playing inside the bubble might be a hooper's dream but for a guy like Wright, who grew up overseas, the whole experience brings him back to his childhood.
Like most players from the other side of the world, Wright grew up playing AAU (Amateur Athletic Association) basketball, a circuit with a pretty hectic schedule.
Sponsored content:
In the bubble, Wright feels right at home. His performance on Monday was atestament to it.
"I'm used to playing back home in the AAU basketball where we would play eight games on a weekend, three games a day. I played in a lot of Filipino basketball tournaments back home as well, it's the same format," Wright said. (PL)
