PBA: Young Phoenix squad just getting started, believes Jamike Jarin

Phoenix Fuel Masters’ coach Jamike Jarin in the PBA semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.n et

MANILA, Philippines—If you think the Phoenix Fuel Masters’ fairy tale is over, you are gravely mistaken.

After being given the boot by Magnolia in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, coach Jamike Jarin left the Fuel Masters’ locker room with no sense of frustration or sadness.

That’s because he believes that Phoenix’s story is yet to be over. It’s just hitting the next chapter.

READ: Not ready to go home yet, RJ Jazul heats up at the right time for Phoenix

“The fairy tale is still continuous because this is just a chapter, a first chapter so we go now to the second chapter. We have a lot of things to look forward to. Last conference, we were eighth and now we’re fourth. That’s a big leap,” said Jarin at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

“Tomorrow is another day. Right now, if you see it, things didn’t fall our way tonight, maybe they’re just falling into place for tomorrow.”

If the Fuel Masters’ final game in the import-laden conference was any indication, the locals can hang with the league’s big guns with Johnathan Williams III scoring only 17 in the defeat.

The young core of Phoenix may not have produced much in the conference-ending loss but the veteran duo of RJ Jazul and RR Garcia produced 11 and 15 points, respectively.

READ: Phoenix continues rise ahead of ‘gauntlet run’

Phoenix will also enjoy the services of rookie Ken Tuffin in the upcoming conference. The young streaky shooter averaged 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per outing under Jarin.

To top it all off, Phoenix has an uprising floor general in the form of Tyler Tio, who flashed his potential with averages of 9.6 points per game.

“They experienced a lot, making it to the semifinals, making history, winning a playoff game in the semis, getting our hundredth win, first semis in an import-laden conference, we had a lot of things.”

“[There’s] a lot to be thankful for than to be sorry and that’s how you approach it. I thank each and every one of them.”

The Fuel Masters proved to be a force to be reckoned with after finishing the elimination round with an 8-3 card for fourth place.