Fuel Masters still adjusting under new coach Alas

MANILA, Philippines — Even with their firepower, the Phoenix FuelMasters Masters are clinging to decent aspirations going into the new PBA season.

The simply want to get their act right. And why not? After all, they’re putting a new guy at the helm and a new system in place.

“Talagang adjustment period pa rin kami,” Louie Alas, who took over Ariel Vanguardia in the off-season, admitted. “Ako, personally I'm struggling kasi I've been an assistant coach for more than five years and I still want to get into a rhythm.”

Alas’ last head coaching gig was in 2000 with the Talk ’N Text franchise, then going by the brand Mobiline. 

But despite that “rust,” the veteran tactician hopes that the team’s offseason acquisitions would turn out to be compatible with its new schemes. 

Phoenix was able to pick up versatile forward Jason Perkins in the draft. They were also able to get Justin Chua late last season from a blockbuster trade. Their last pick-up came in the form of LA Revilla, who joined the fold via a trade.  

“Last year, in fairness to coach Ariel, kulang sila three to four pieces para maging competitive,” he said. "Malaking tulong talaga samin si LA pati sila (Jason) and Justin. Talagang [magiging] major part sila [ng] rotation namin,” he noted.

The troika of new hands will be reinforcing a squad that is bannered by Gilas sharpshooter Matthew Wright. He is joined in the backcourt by another sniper in Jeff Chan, RJ Jazul and Gelo Alolino.

Forwards JC Intal and Rey Guevarra and Marvin Hayes are set to bolster the interior along with skipper Willy Wilson. Doug Kramer is expected to reprise is role as the man in the middle.

Additionally, Alas noted that their preseason outings enabled them to review their tactics and tendencies, which will prove essential in getting over their quarterfinals hump.

“We still have to make a lot of adjustments,” Alas conceded. “‘Yung last three weeks, ang dami naming ini-incorporate sa depensa namin.”

Phoenix could only hope they make those adjustments quickly despite an overwhelmingly early test in facing the top-heavy and reigning conference champion San Miguel on opening night this Sunday at the Big Dome.