If there’s a word that could perfectly sum up Phoenix’ campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup, it has to be “almost.”
The Fuel Masters survived a do-or-die game against Globalport in their last game of the eliminations, 104-100, only to suffer a 118-97 beating at the hands of TNT for the 8th seed playoff.
Point guard LA Revilla knows that Phoenix can take the next step and he vowed that the Fuel Masters will make noise in the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup.
“We were one game away from making it into the next round,” said Revilla in Filipino after the team’s practice at Upper Deck Sports Center. “I think our battle cry would be that we will redeem ourselves.”
Phoenix finished the Philippine Cup with a 5-6 record and was tied with Globalport and TNT but the Batang Pier had the better quotient leaving them in the seventh seed while the KaTropa and the Fuel Masters duked it out for the eighth.
The Fuel Masters’ last foray into the playoffs was in the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup where eventual champions San Miguel booted them out in the first round.
And Revilla, who was still part of the Kia franchise in 2017, wants nothing more than lead Phoenix to the playoffs of the 2018 Commissioner’s with a familiar teammate beside him.
Phoenix import James White was part of the Kia team that went to the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, and Revilla said he’s excited to have his former teammate with him to help Phoenix get over the hump.
“I was excited when we received word that James would be our import,” said Revilla. “He’s going to help us especially in our weak side defense and his length and rebounding would be a big help for us. He would be a big key for us this conference.”