With bolstered roster, Phoenix confident it can play at higher level next PBA season

MANILA, Philippines—In the past 2017-18 PBA season, Phoenix did exactly what the mythical bird it’s named from does.

After failing to enter the playoffs of the first two conferences, the team channeled its inner phoenix and rose from the ashes to get to its best campaign yet, finishing with an 8-3 record for the second seed in the Governors’ Cup.

That fire, however, burned out quickly when the playoff newcomer lost two straight to Meralco in the quarterfinals.

But that was still an invaluable experience for the Fuel Masters, who remain in search of the franchise’s first playoff win and head coach Louie Alas said he is positive that his team can be a legit contender this upcoming PBA season.

“I have no choice but to believe that we can play at a high level because we’ve beefed up our roster, added players we needed, and we need on the loopholes that need to be fixed,” said Alas in Filipino Sunday at the team’s practice gym at The Upper Deck.

“We’re really positive about the next season.”

Phoenix was just a run-of-the-mill team in the Philippine and Commissioner’s Cups, but became an instant threat when the mercurial Calvin Abueva arrived in the team via trade with Alaska.

Abueva paid instant dividends for the Fuel Masters, delivering a brute physicality for the franchise. He averaged 15.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks during the Fuel Masters’ stellar elimination run.

Despite the playoff exit, Phoenix has started to build a solid foundation centered around Abueva, Matthew Wright, and Rookie of the Year frontrunner Jason Perkins.

Phoenix also added veterans Alex Mallari and Dave Marcelo, who have five titles between them, to bring championship experience to the team.

As early as now, the Fuel Masters are already on the lookout for potential imports to bring them to the next level in the last two conferences.

Alas, team manager Paolo Bugia, and alternate governor Atty. Raymond Zorilla traveled to Las Vegas just before Christmas to scout for reinforcements during the NBA G-League Winter Showcase.

“It was very enriching for us because we had a lot of choices on who we’ll get as an import but of course Eugene [Phelps] will always be there, knowing him he’s a warrior,” said Alas.

“We watched a lot of games, seven games for four days, and we saw a lot of prospects and it’s up to manager Bugia on how we’ll sign them and I’m very positive about it.”