Phoenix to ink ABL star Kris Rosales

Game Sunday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

5 p.m. – San Miguel vs Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines – Phoenix Petroleum is signing up ABL standout Kris Rosales as part of a massive overhaul the team is to undertake in the long PBA break in between the Commissioner’s Cup and the season-ending Governors Cup.

“We’re cooking something. This is the right time to rebuild,” Phoenix coach Koy Banal told The STAR.

“As we saw in the last conference, we need changes. And again this is the right time to make these changes going to next season. This is a longer break compared to the one coming after the Governors Cup,” Banal added.

The Barako mentor mentioned only RR Garcia, JC Intal and Willy Wilson as among those indispensable.

In its first conference after taking over the Barako franchise, the Phoenix Fuel Masters performed poorly, finishing with only three wins against eight losses.

“We don’t defend at all. We need two-way players, not just offensive players. And we need to improve on all spots,” said Banal.

In the coming Governors Cup, ceiling will be provided by a 6-foot-9 import Phoenix Petroleum is allowed to have. Mahindra, Blackwater and Star are the other teams given the same privilege.

“We’re excited with that. It’s not much of an advantage but it will definitely help us as we only have one legitimate big man in Mick (Pennisi),” said Banal.

Kevinn Pinkney is out. The Phoenix coaching staff and management are now after their original import choice in the Commissioner’s Cup.

“He’s playing in Italy right now. He’s yet to commit as he’s waiting for calls for the NBA summer league,” said Banal.

Already committed to join the Fuel Masters is Rosales, a Fil-Am guard who had helped the Singapore Slingers to a first ever finals stint in the Asean Basketball League.

“In my view, he’s the next Olsen Racela,” said Banal of the 6-foot-1 playmaker from Hope International U in California.

Rosales was Barako’s No. 7 pick in the second round of the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, but failed to make the Barako roster then as it was then guard-heavy with Garcia, Josh Urbiztondo, Chico Lanete, Emman Monfort and Jeric Fortuna.

The team has already unloaded Fortuna, sending him over to GlobalPort.