Fuel Masters embracing small ball strategy

Phoenix Fuel Masters. PBA IMAGES

Looking to take advantage of its speed, Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia wants to implement small ball this coming season.

“I think it’s the trend right now,” he said.

And at the forefront of that change is JC Intal, who Vanguardia sees as a viable option at the power
forward.

“Medyo nangangapa pa si JC na sya yung four, but so far, I’m pleased naman,” he said, while also looking at Willy Wilson to play the role, together with big men Michael Miranda, Norbert Torres, and new acquisition Doug Kramer. “Still, we have to match up sa rebounding ng other teams if we play small-ball.”

Intal said that he’s slowly adapting to the system, willing to adjust to the new role given to him.

“Sa practice, I play four. Mas malaki yung binabantayan ko but I’ll be ready naman,” he said. “I’m looking forward to contribute more sa power forward position.”

Though going small-ball is definitely a scheme that will come in handy for the Fuel Masters, what makes Intal ecstatic for this year is the upgrades the team had in the offseason, doubling its shooters to further strengthen their run-and-gun game.

“Excited ako kasi nadagdagan ng shooters yung team,” he said. “It’s a young team na kaya mag-prove ng something dito sa liga. I’m excited maglaro kasama ng rookies. We’re going to run this season, and we’ll be fine.”