Topex Robinson says Matthew Wright played Phoenix swan song

A waiting game begins on whether Matthew Wright stays in the PBA or plays elsewhere. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Have we seen the last of Matthew Wright in a Phoenix uniform?

Coach Topex Robinson said on Saturday night that the Fuel Masters'blowout win against the Converge FiberXers at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay was their way of saying thank you to their franchise superstar.

"It's a way to honor Matt playing his final game for us," Robinson said.

Asked why he said so, Robinson first said that Wright will catch a flight to the United States to be with his fiance Gabriela Moscoso as they will tie the knot next week.

"It's gonna be his wedding day on the 21st, so I think he has to leave tonight to the US. It's a long planned big day for him. He's really excited about it, and we're happy for him," Robinson further said.

This ultimately means he will not be around when Phoenix fights for survival against Ginebra on Thursday night, which happens to be hours before Wright and Moscoso get married.

Another factor is that Wright's current contract with Phoenix ends on Aug. 31, making him a free agent if the Fuel Masters fail to give him an extension in time.

However, the 31-year-old combo guard, according to Robinson, is considering looking at other opportunities, including a possible stint overseas.

"He was open to us about it. Last year pa nya sinabi that he's going to look at his opportunities," Robinson added.

Word has been out since May that Wright has an offer from a still unknown B.League team that he can opt to accept after his contract with the Fuel Masters lapses.

Whether he stays or packs his bags for Japan, Wright is assured of Phoenix's full support.

"We're just happy for him. Whatever it is that he's going to do after this is something that we've agreed upon. The management has his full support on Matt, and if ever he returns, that's our added bonus for us," Robinson further said.

If ever this is indeed Wright's swan song with the Fuel Masters, he went out on a decent note.

Wright finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals in their 89-66 win over the FiberXers that kept them in the race for the last quarterfinal spot.

[Related Story: Phoenix holds Converge to 8-year first half low, keeps slim playoff hopes alive]

The only hiccups were his 5-for-24 shooting and seven turnovers.

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