YOUTH movement had certainly changed the fortunes of Phoenix Super LPG, which made strides in the past two seasons.
Three playoff runs in the last five conferences, including a Final Four appearance in last season's Commissioner's Cup, gave the Fuel Masters all the more reasons to tinker their roster from players coming off the Rookie Draft.
From Tyler Tio two seasons ago to Ken Tuffin and Ricci Rivero last year, Phoenix made good choices in selecting players from the draft even though they were late picks.
This season, the Fuel Masters relished the opportunity of selecting fourth overall and acquired the services of Kai Ballungay from the good basketball program of Ateneo.
The 6-foot-7 Ballungay brings in youth, athleticism and size, qualities that would certainly make him a game changer in the PBA.
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"Tyler Tio is back, Raul Soyud is also returning healthy also and so are the other players. We're really excited. In the past three drafts, we're really building something really good with Phoenix. Kai Ballungay is 6-foot-7 and only 22. A lot of work to be done, physically, mentally, emotionally, so these are the things he needs to work on. I've been telling everybody, you can fast track everything - get the strength, get the quickness, get the muscles - by doing it twice-a-day, three times a day, but the only thing you cannot fast track is the experience," said Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin.
Jarin believes the veterans played a big part in the quick transition of these young players, who are now playing bigger roles this early part of their respective careers.
"You've got to give credit where the credit is due, that's why the leadership of RR Garcia, the leadership of RJ Jazul, Jason Perkins and Javee Mocon. These are the things that inspired our young guys to be the players they are right now. I have to give to those players. It's always a collective effort in our team, in our culture and I'm happy the veterans are doing their mentoring and the young players absorbing them." (RJ)
