After posting new PBA career-high, Phelps reveals quick departure as he prepares for Puerto Rican season

PBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--We have seen the best of Eugene Phelps in his first game for this year's PBA Commissioner's Cup.

However, we may have seen the last of him in the conference as well.

Phelps revealed to some sportswriters on Saturday night that his 53-point explosion for Phoenix against Blackwater at the Cuneta Astrodome, a new personal-best in the PBA, was a one-night-only showcase.

"I think I'm leaving [for US] tomorrow. [Then] I leave for Puerto Rico on the 29th, so I need my break," said Phelps, who was a late replacement for Jarrid Famous, whose rights were retained by GlobalPort.

Phelps then told the reporters that he will quickly rejoin Puerto Rican side Los Brujos De Guayama for its league season that will start on April 6.

"I already signed [with Brujos]," he continued.

On how he decided to still play in the PBA despite the earlier commitment, Phelps revealed, "Coach Ariel [Vanguardia] hit me up right after [my stint in] Taiwan. He asked me to come in for a game or two."

Phelps' monster game that also included 21 rebounds and five blocks turned out to be enough as the Fuel Masters subdued the Elite after two overtimes.

[Related Story: Phelps drops 53 as Phoenix beats Blackwater in double OT thriller]

"It's my only game here, so I had to make a good appearance here and get a win for my team. Thank God we got the win," Phelps further said.

Meanwhile, Vanguardia then said that another reinforcement will fly in to join the Fuel Masters possibly for its next game against the Star Hotshots on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

"We have another one coming in by next week, but I'm not at liberty yet to say [who he is]. He has a seven-foot-four wing span, so hopefully he can help us in the interior," said Vanguardia.

Despite the early departure, the six-foot-six Phelps vowed that he will return to the Phoenix camp for the Governors' Cup.

"I should be back in the third conference if everything goes [according] to plan," he closed.

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