FACING adversity, in one form or another, is nothing new for Phoenix Super LPG.
Coach Topex Robinson is foremost among those anxious to see how his Fuel Masters overcome their recent difficulties and hold up against powerhouse Bay Area Saturday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Phoenix is looking to finally crash the win-column after failing in its first two games while the guest team is looking to rack up a third victory, solidify its hold on the early lead and firm up the growing widespread belief that it would contend for the title.
Even Robinson has to agree with that early assessment. "They could win the championship, the way they're playing. Ang lalaki, ang gagaling," he noted.
The odds are indeed stacked against Phoenix. After having to make do with the pre-conference departure of top gunner Matthew Wright, the Fuel Masters also have to contend with the absence of Jason Perkins, Sean Anthony, Sean Manganti and Jake Pascual in their first two games.
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Perkins has been deemed out for the conference following knee surgery, Manganti is also nursing an injury and remains day-to-day while both Anthony and Pascual were placed under the league's health and safety protocols, although the latter two are expected to finally see action Saturday.
"It's nice lang na makakabalik na si Sean Anthony. He has been practicing with us since Monday so kahit papaano nagkaroon ulit kami ng beterano sa loob," related Robinson. "Jake is also good to go."
Robinson said their early troubles should have been expected, but not carried over to the point his team would just give up trying. "Alam naman namin na it's gonna be challenging, pero sabi ko nga, as a professional team, hindi naman p'wedeng porke't ganoon we will not find ways to win," he said.
"Sabi ko rin, 'Wala naman tayong choice. Either let's make it an exciting opportunity para sa atin o huwag na lang tayong maglaro,'" added Robinson. "Inano ko lang, 'I-expect lang natin na magiging mahirap, walang easy."
Robinson also threw in one motivational factor to his players. "Lost opportunity there opens up opportunity para sa iba. Iyon na lang talaga for guys like Simon Camacho, Chris Lalata, Larry Muyang," he stated.
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"Sa amin naman, laruin lang namin 'yung dapat naming laruin, 'yung pinaghandaan namin. Give ourselves a chance to compete," Robinson also said. "Rather than matakot ka doon. Gawin mo na lang na exciting siya.
Bilog pa rin ang bola. If you play your cards right and hopefully with a little stroke ng suwerte, malay mo?
"Sabi ko nga sa kanila, 'As long as buhos tayo, all-out tayo. If good things are bound to happen they will happen.'" (NC)
