PBA: James Kwekuteye eager for fresh start with Phoenix
James Kwekuteye is headed to Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—James Kwekuteye is gearing up for a new beginning in the PBA, joining his third team ahead of Season 50—and he couldn’t be more excited.
On Friday, Titan Ultra (formerly NorthPort) traded Kwekuteye to Phoenix for forward Ato Ular. Yet on the eve of the deal, the San Beda product was all smiles, chatting with Kai Ballungay during Titan’s unveiling of the LeBron 23 at Bonifacio Global City.
“I’m excited. I’m pretty excited, to be honest. I’ve been waiting,” Kwekuteye said. “I just have to work hard in practice, and let my game do the rest.”
Kwekuteye was drafted by Blackwater in 2023 before being dealt to NorthPort for Abu Tratter earlier this year. Now, he’ll suit up for Phoenix under new head coach Willy Wilson, who replaced Jamike Jarin.
“Coach Willie, he’s a Fil-Am and knowing him, he lets everybody rock, lets them play within the system, and gives more freedom. That’s what I think,” said Kwekuteye.
The sweet-shooting guard joins a youthful Phoenix lineup that includes Will Gozum, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Ken Tuffin.
