New stars rising for Phoenix in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

Phoenix coach Topex Robinson. —PBA IMAGES

Phoenix coach Topex Robinson sees a silver lining in the dilemma of losing his two best players going into the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.

“I’m excited for this new challenge,” Robinson said in a short message to the Inquirer when asked how he sees his Fuel Masters heading into the mid-season classic after losing Matthew Wright overseas and Jason Perkins to an injury.

Little is expected from the Fuel Masters after Wright opted not to sign a new contract and instead accepted an offer to play for the Kyoto Hannaryz of Japan’s B.League.The Fuel Masters would then lose Perkins for the season after undergoing surgery on his knee which the lefty forward has been dealing with for a while.

That leaves Phoenix without the two cagers who combined for an average of 31 points during the recent Philippine Cup. Perkins topped the team in scoring with 16.0 per outing followed by Wright’s 15.0.

“Jason will be a huge loss for us since we don’t have Matt now,” the Fuel Masters mentor said. “But it’s also an opportunity for the other guys to step up.”

Those others may include rookie Tyler Tio, the second round choice out of Ateneo who impressed with his stellar outside shooting.

Tio was third in scoring at 11.7 points and went 27-of-55 shots from three-point range for a 49.1-percent clip.

Javee Mocon, acquired earlier in the All-Filipino from Rain or Shine, could showcase the all-around play he has shown during his time with the Elasto Painters.

Mocon averaged 8.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists in his maiden conference with Phoenix.

“Tyler Tio is in a perfect situation right now, even the guys that we had like Javee Mocon. So there are a lot of opportunities for others,” said Robinson. INQ