Phoenix, ROS make Commish Cup debut

Phoenix, ROS make Commish Cup debut

NBA

Phoenix, ROS make Commish Cup debut

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PHILIPPINE Cup semifinalists Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters make their debut in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup in the scheduled double-header today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Fuel Masters play the still-unblemished and league-leading Blackwater Elite (3-0) in the 4:30 p.m. curtain-raiser while the Elasto Painters battle the Meralco Bolts (1-2) in the 7 p.m. main game.

Phoenix comes into the midseason Philippine Basketball Association tournament off their best conference showing in its history in Asia’s first play-for-pay league.

It topped the previous conference in the elimination round in wins and reached its first-ever semifinals but lost to eventual five-time champions San Miguel Beermen, 4-1.

For this conference, the Fuel Masters have brought in a familiar PBA face in Robert Dozier as import.

Mr. Dozier had two tours of duty with the Alaska team previously (2013 and 2016) and led the Aces to the title in the same conference in 2013.

In Phoenix he is reunited with former Alaska teammates Calvin Abueva and RJ Jazul as well as coaches Louie Alas and Topex Robinson.

In the lead-up, the Fuel Masters said they are banking on Mr. Rozier’s “experience and defensive capabilities” to boost their roster which also include Matthew Wright and second-year player Jason Perkins.

Out to spoil Mr. Dozier and Phoenix’s debut is Blackwater, which has been pretty solid off the starting blocks, still spotless after three games under new coach Aris Dimaunahan.

Leading the charge for the Elite are import Alex Stepheson and rookie Ray Parks, Jr.

Mr. Stepheson has been steady for Blackwater, posting monster averages of 25 points, 26 rebounds and three blocks per game.

Mr. Parks, for his part, has been good for 24 points and five rebounds in his debut conference so far. Incidentally he is the reigning PBA player of the week after helping his team to a flawless start.

Mr. Dimaunahan said he is very happy and satisfied with the way his team is performing, highlighting how his “players love playing with each other” and making things happen in their system which make the game easy for them.

He hopes that they stay on the same track even as they recognize that bigger challenges lie ahead for them.

RAIN OR SHINE
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine looks to build on its impressive run in the Philippine Cup, where it came within one win of advancing to the finals.

The Elasto Painters lost to the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok in seven games in the semis in the All-Filipino conference which they are now using as further motivation as they begin another tournament journey.

To help them in their bid, the paint masters are bringing veteran and champion import Denzel Bowles.

Mr. Bowles helped the B-Meg Llamados to the 2012 Commissioner’s Cup championship where he was also named best import.

He had three more stops with the team after but failed to win another title.

In Rain or Shine, Mr. Bowles joins a team currently experiencing a rejuvenation of sorts with a good mix of veteran and upcoming players.

Meeting the Elasto Painters at the entry door are the Bolts, who have had it roller coaster to date and are angling to catch a break for an upswing.

Import Gani Lawal has been showing the way for Meralco with norms of 32.3 points and 13 rebounds.

The Bolts are expected to welcome today new player Raymond Almazan, whom they acquired via trade in the in-between conference break from Rain or Shine.