Alaska-Phoenix a family affair?

Calvin Abueva finally gets to meet his former team when unbeaten Phoenix Petroleum shoots for the solo lead against also undefeated Alaska tonight in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Action kicks off at 7 p.m. with the Fuel Masters (2-0) and the Aces (2-0) meeting for the first time after figuring in a trade that centered around star forward Calvin Abueva last month.

In the first game at 4:30 p.m., winless Columbian Dyip (0-2) seeks to notch its first victory against the still undermanned NLEX (2-1).

The Fuel Masters raced to a 2-0 slate — their best start under the coach Louie Alas since last year — after nipping Columbian Dyip last week, 113-107 and over Northport, 132-91, Sunday night.

However, while Alas was happy with their start of the season-ending conference, he also warned his wards to brace for the real test against the Aces.

“It’s nice to win two in a row. But the big game is against Alaska. This will be the real test for us,” Alas said.

But he knows all eyes will be on Abueva as he is set for his first meeting against his former teammates with whom he spent six fruitful years of his PBA career.

It was highlighted by a championship in 2013, multiple all-star and mythical selections and a Best Player of the Conference award in 2016.

“It will be his first game against Alaska. I rested him against Northport due to knee pain. Although he wanted to play more, I reminded him of an even bigger game today when he should pour all his energy,” Alas said.

Abueva paced himself for this game as he just played 16 minutes in Phoenix’s massive 41-point win. But he still came through with the Best Player of the Game citation with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists.

“I will just give my best. I will leave everything in the court,” Abueva said.

Alaska coach Alex Compton thinks this game as a “family reunion,” though.

“It’s just not about Calvin. I’ve got a bunch of close relationships over there,” said Compton when asked about Abueva’s first game against them.

Phoenix head coach Alas and top deputy Topex Robinson also served as Compton’s long time assistant coaches in Alaska before their transfer to the Fuel Masters last year.

Moreover, Phoenix players RJ Jazul and JP Mendoza also spent years in Alaska before parting ways with the team like Abueva.

“So, it’s kind of a family reunion in a way. We spent so much time with those guys. We formed deep bonds and you just care about it,” Compton said.

“I would always expect coach Louie the way coach Louie coaches. He will expect me to coach the way I coach. I always expect RJ, JP and Calvin to play hard because that’s what they do,” Compton said.

Abueva will be backstopped by import Eugene Phelps and fellow national player Matthew Wright alongside veterans Doug Kramer, JC Intal and Jazul in Phoenix’s bid for a 3-0 card.

Alaska will lean on National Basketball Association veteran Mike Harris to lead its mission of a 3-0 start together with spitfire guards Chris Banchero, Simon Enciso and slot man Vic Manuel.