A week before the expected arrival of PBA teams in Pampanga, the veteran guard was initially listed in the free-agent list but eventually found himself returning to the Fuel Masters’ roster just in time for the season-opening.

With Calvin Abueva not being allowed to join the squad in the bubble, Phoenix Super LPG picked up an old reliable to complete its lineup.

The Tamaraw’s alumnus signed with Phoenix last season before heading to free agency.

The 5-foot-11 guard and big man Chris Javier, who will be playing with TnT Katropa, were plucked out of the league’s free agency list.

Moreover, former Rookie of the Year Jason Perkins and Jansen Rios will also be joining the roster.

“He [Perkins] will join the bubble as well,” said team manager Paolo Bugia.

Perkins and Rios failed to join the Fuel Masters during the start of team workouts as both of them cited family reasons why they were no show during the start of Fuel Masters workouts but the two were eventually in attendance when the second round of workouts began.