THE acquisition of Vic Manuel from Alaska makes Phoenix Super LPG almost a complete team for the coming PBA season.
It's just a matter of putting what should be the final piece into place.
Fuel Masters coach Topex Robinson on Tuesday said the arrival of Manuel, coming on the heels of a separate trade with Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok for Chris Banchero, undeniably stacked up his roster.
"Medyo masaya naman sa mga nangyari," said Robinson shortly after the Manuel trade was approved.
"Hindi lang kami nagkaroon ng kapalit ni Calvin. Nakakuha kami ng Banchero, mayroon pa kaming seventh pick," Robinson furthered.
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Indeed, Manuel's arrival not only reunited him with his first D-League coach in Robinson but also gives Phoenix another legitimate threat in the low blocks, just like what Banchero is expected to do in the backcourt.
And then there's the No. 7 pick, a rung down from the one the Fuel Masters additionally got from the Hotshots in the Abueva trade but no less valuable in the light of the loaded list of draft applicants.
"Kung sa regular draft, like in the past, itong No. 7 is like getting No. 4, No. 3?" posed Robinson.
"With the talent that's there. Good for us, kasi nakakuha kami ng legitimate post threat with Vic, na wala kami last time and we now have a legitimate point guard in Chris Banchero na wala kami last conference."
Robinson admitted he plans on using that first round pick to nab a big man who could complement Justin Chua, Jason Perkins and the comebacking Jake Pascual.
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"May mga tinitingnan na kami, but we'll wait until nandiyan na final list (of eligible draft applicants) before we make our final decision," said Robinson.
"But even right now happy na talaga ako with what we have." (NC)
