Phoenix will try to make up for a disappointing PBA season as another one unfurls with the opening of the Governors' Cup.
In PBA Season 48, Phoenix went from promising to disappointing.
After the Fuel Masters barged into the semifinals of the Commissioner’s Cup last season, everything went downhill in the succeeding conference.
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Phoenix star Tyler Tio suffered a “slight fracture” in his ankle in their Philippine Cup opening loss to NorthPort and missed the rest of the conference where the squad wound up with a dismal 3-8 win-loss record.
But now, Tio is back in the fold and ready to lead Phoenix in the Governors’ Cup with a much-improved roster.
Here’s how the Fuel Masters look for the upcoming season:
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Holdovers:
Larry Muyang
Jason Perkins
Raul Soyud
Javee Mocon
RR Garcia
Jayjay Alejandro
Matthew Daves
RJ Jazul
Kent Salado
Tyler Tio
Kenneth Tuffin
Raffy Verano
Simon Camacho
Ricci Rivero
Addition:
Kai Ballungay
Reserve/Injured:
Sean Manganti
Import:
Jayveous Mckinnis
Outlook:
Apart from Tio’s return, rookie Kai Ballungay’s arrival also beefed up Phoenix’s roster for the import-spiced conference.
And with an improved lineup comes the hope of a better showing this time.
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Now, a deep playoff run is not a guarantee. But if everything goes the Fuel Masters’ way, a playoff berth would be possible.