Team’s welfare a top priority, says Phoenix Petroleum exec

It was a dream five years in the making.

And in less than three weeks, Phoenix Petroleum will finally be making its long awaited entry to the PBA.

“We’ve been knocking on the doors of PBA for more than five years and opportunity doesn’t come twice,” said Phoenix Petroleum vice president for external affairs Raymond Zorilla. “We’ll make the most of it and we’re happy to be in the PBA.”

Watching their D-League team Accelerators at Ynares Sports Arena on Monday, the executive was elated to finally talk to his head coach Koy Banal and give a general view on how he plans the franchise’s entry to the pro league.

“We intend to talk to the team this week,” shared Zorilla. “The management has decided that with the acquisition of the franchise, we’ll not disturb it and remain status quo. We’ll keep the coaching staff and the players, no trades muna, and the key positions in the management will obviously be replaced.”

Taking over the Barako Bull franchise, Zorilla was happy to inherit a hungry crew which has shocked teams in its most recent stint in the Philippine Cup.

“The team fought for a spot in the semifinals and lost in the quarterfinals. That’s why we’re keeping them intact and hopefully, we can get the right import from the mix and we’ll take it from there,” he said.

Zorilla also said the management will always put the team’s welfare as one of its top priorities.

“Usually, one primordial consideration that we have is to do what’s best for the team. We will always assess any offers, trades, and player movements as long as we always base it for the good of the team,” he said.

Though, there are still particulars needed to be ironed out, Zorilla is excited to finally see Phoenix Petroleum’s red-and-whites in the PBA.

“We’ll be meeting on Tuesday to discuss several conditions, but the idea is by second conference, Phoenix will finally be coming in.”