New import to fuel Phoenix

MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix’ replacement import Cellus Earlington is described as a younger version of PBA veteran Allen Durham and Super LPG Fuel Masters coach Charles Tiu has high hopes that the 6-4 3/4 power forward will lead the team deep into the Governors’ Cup playoffs.

Original import BJ Johnson was actually a smooth fit, averaging 30.7 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists to bring Phoenix to a 4-3 record before the FIBA window and Asian Games break. But Johnson was signed only up to August and left to fulfill a prior commitment to play in Russia.

“Earlington is good, gives us some inside presence and plays more as a big,” said Tiu. “He’s a workhorse and very coachable. Very young, too, he’s only 26. No local additions (to the roster) right now. I’m hoping Phoenix just makes the playoffs.”

Phoenix is in Group B and tied for second with Magnolia in the standings behind Rain or Shine (4-2). If the eliminations were to end today, the Fuel Masters would finish third on a tiebreak and advance to play San Miguel Beer from Group A in a best-of-five quarterfinal series.

The remaining elimination games in Phoenix’ schedule are against Meralco on Oct. 16, Barangay Ginebra on Oct. 18 and Rain or Shine on Oct. 23. The Fuel Masters are coming off back-to-back losses to Blackwater and Magnolia so the last three outings are critical.

Earlington, who plays both the four and five positions, was a basketball and football standout at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey. The New York native saw action in three seasons for St. John’s University, where Justin Brownlee played, then transferred to the University of San Diego where in 2022-23, he averaged 17.1 points on 53.7 percent shooting from the field. Earlington suited up in Israel and Italy before landing in the PBA. This season in Israel, he hit at a 22.2 clip and shot 58.2 percent from the floor, earning four Player of the Week citations.

NBA legend Chris Mullin once described Earlington as versatile with a relentless work ethic. “We believe in his athleticism, physicality and strength,” said Mullin who coached Earlington at St. John’s. Mullin’s testimonial is surely a boost to Earlington’s stock.