PHOENIX Super LPG aims to get off on the right foot for the first time in a long while when it takes on Terrafirma Friday in a match kicking off the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
"If you look at it, we haven't won an opening game in the past conferences," noted FuelMasters coach Jamike Jarin. "So that's the immediate target right now, to win the first game of the conference."
Indeed, Phoenix has lost its opening game in the last three conferences. The last time it did, it went on to go as far as the 2023-24 Commissioner's Cup semifinals.
Due to a variety of reasons, the Fuel Masters have failed to reprise that franchise milestone and even took a deep plunge in the last two conferences when they wound up with a combined 4-18 record.
"If we look at it, it's been a disastrous first two conferences for us this season. We can give all the excuses in the world, with the imports and everything... but we have to take full responsibility for that," said Jarin.
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The target for Phoenix now, according to Jarin, is to bounce back in a big way in the import-less, season-ending tournament. "At least we got this all-Filipino coming in and everybody's zeroing in right now," he said.
"The good thing about it is, we're playing the first game. First day, first game so it's time for us," added Jarin. "I'm sure Terrafirma will be coming in also with the same attitude, at least to get the first game."
Terrafirma does have its own agenda coming in.
The Dyip, who entered the league in time for the 2014-15 season, are reportedly offering their franchise up for sale. A shipping company is said to be a prospective buyer although no formal deal has been struck yet.
No matter what happens, Terrafirma is bent on bowing out of the league on a bright note.
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Jamike is more concerned with his own team and even uses its recent sorry campaigns as prop.
"We were down the past two conferences so nowhere to go but rise up," said Jarin.
"We're very excited. We just have to get things done and play selfless basketball." (NC)
