MERALCO coach Norman Black knows Phoenix Pulse remains a formidable team despite the absence of two vital cogs.
Yet Black also knows his Bolts' biggest enemy could lie from within.
"It's important that we stay focused and continue to get better as a team," said Black on the eve of Meralco's clash with Phoenix Friday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts are looking for a second straight win that would push them over .500 for the first time in the mid-season tourney while the Fuel Masters, with new import Richard Howell in tow, try to get over the ill effects of a tumultuous weekend and improve to 2-1.
"Despite what's been happening we still consider Phoenix to be a very dangerous team so we will have to be on top of our game," stated Black.
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The multi-titled coach was referring to the twin blows dealt Phoenix following its bruising game against TNT last Sunday that resulted in Fuel Masters coach Louie Alas getting slapped with a two-game suspension and top forward Calvin Abueva being meted an indefinite ban, apart from fines for the two.
A contrite Alas could only hope his team carries on without them.
" No Calvin, new import, coming off a big and disappointing loss. It will be a huge challenge for us, especially for me as captain of the ship," said Alas, who is also set to sit out the game against Rain or Shine on Sunday.
"Anyway," Alas added, "wala kaming topic kundi move forward and bounce back.
Preparation is good, pero wala pa import, mamaya pa (Thursday afternoon) dating. As much as possible ang schemes namin is very simple: no complications para madaling ma-digest ni Rich Howell."
While his new teammates and Phoenix's system may be new to Howell, the same could not be said of his familiarity with the PBA style of play.
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The defense-oriented Howell has seen action for TNT in the 14 and 15 editions of the same mid-season tourney, averaging 20.1 points, 18.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals in the total 13 games he saw action in.
The former North Carolina State Wolfpack was named Best Import in 2014 and powered the then-Texters to the Finals, where they lost to San Mig Coffee.
Howell has replaced Rob Dozier, who leaves with per-game averages of 17.0 points, 14.0 rebounds and 3.5 blocks.
Meralco has no such assimilation problems with Gani Lawal, who is averaging 29.0 points and 20 rebounds an outing and has settled in nicely with his teammates.
The Bolts are also coming into the game well-braced for whatever their foes may try to pull off.
" In preparation, we have put emphasis on improving our defense so we will use that to try and pull out a victory," said Black. (NC)
