JUSTINE Chua can't wait to finally work alongside new frontcourt partner Vic Manuel.
The 6-foot-6 Chua said it's urgent for him and fellow big man Jason Perkins to build chemistry with the 33-year-old Manuel now that the three of them are the ones to man the middle for Phoenix in the coming 46th PBA season.
"Can't wait na to start practice para ma-work na rin yung chemistry namin," said Chua when he guested in the program The Game together with Phoenix top gun Matthew Wright.
The Fuel Masters had their first scrimmages on Thursday in Batangas.
Phoenix traded for the service of Manuel after losing big men Calvin Abueva, Dave Marcelo, and Jay-R Reyes.
Aside from Manuel, the Fuel Masters also acquired the nos. 7 and 19 picks from the Aces in the last rookie draft, and used them to tap Larry Muyang and Aljun Melecio, respectively.
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But the Aces didn't let go of Manuel without something in return. They ended climbing the draft chart at nos. 6 and 16, which turned out to be Ben Adamos and Taylor Browne, while also getting the rights on veteran free agent Brian Heruela, who has since signed up with TnT Tropang Giga.
"So lahat ng big man (namin) bago. I will try to help them also get acquainted to the system faster," said Chua, adjudged as the top D-fender in the Philippine Cup bubble last season.
"I want to see how I will blend with the new guys."
But Chua is definitely looking forward to his partnership with Manuel, who was usually his assignment during the time Phoenix would go up against Alaska in the past.
"Ako yung dumidepensa kay Vic lagi. And it's really tough to guard him lalo na nung sobrang kundisyon siya," said Chua of Manuel.
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"So it's something I also looked forward in practice to start learning stuff from him also. He's a veteran na rin and he's been very good in the PBA." (RG)
