PHOENIX will have one more game before deciding if it will stick with Brandon Brown or revert to Eugene Phelps as its import for the remainder of the PBA Governors’ Cup once the latter recovers fully from his foot injury.
Brown made a solid debut as stand-in reinforcement, pouring in 38 points on 15-of-25 shooting, nine boards, four assists, three steals, and two blocks in 37 minutes of play.
The new import, though, committed seven turnovers, the same as local newcomer Jeff Chan as the duo failed to lead the team to snapping its skid that stretched to four games that negated their two-game win streak to start the conference.
“Silang dalawa ni (Brown), although they both had good games, yung chemistry, wala pa dun sa iba eh, kasi nga they had seven turnovers each,” Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia said. “Kung three, three lang yung turnovers, ang laking bagay. But that doesn’t happen overnight.”
Vanguardia is also thinking whether perimeter-oriented Brown is the right fit for the Fuel Masters, who have thrived with Phelps a force down low.
“Yung adjustment with Brandon, magkaiba sila ni Eugene eh - si Eugene is more of inside; Brandon is more of outside,” Vanguardia said.
So the Fuel Masters are using their next game on Wednesday against Star as another gauge on Brown.
“He’s going to play one more game then we’ll make a decision after if Eugene is healthy,” Vanguardia said.
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