A strong sense of familiarity with players, some of whom he has coached since their high school days, has played a significant role in Phoenix Super LPG's impressive performance in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin has either coached or coached against a couple of Fuel Masters at some point in their young careers.
READ Red-hot Phoenix Super LPG beats NorthPort for sixth win in a row
Among the notables are Ricci Rivero (national youth team), Jjay Alejandro (National University), and Javee Mocon (San Beda) - all crucial in Phoenix's run of good form.
When San Beda won an NCAA championship in 2016 with Jarin at the helm, Mocon was even part of that Red Lions team.
“That’s how old I am,” said the 52-year-old Jarin.
“In a way, it is,” said Jarin, when asked if his familiarity has helped with Phoenix. “You coached against them and you coached with them, you coached them before. That’s a plus factor.”
“Before you coach them, they were boys, they become young men. And now, they are into their manhood and into their careers. I’m just blessed to have them,” said Jarin.
Under Jarin’s leadership, Phoenix has won a franchise record six straight victories after it beat NorthPort, 113-104, on Wednesday, moving the Fuel Masters on the cusp of twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
A young team can easily lose focus with this kind of early success, which is perhaps why Jarin has been tempering expectations especially with tough games ahead including a Christmas Day face-off against San Miguel.
“You feel good that you are in a good position to really get deep into the playoffs. But like I always said, you still can’t celebrate because there are still a lot of games to be played. I’m just happy that we got a victory against NorthPort. Now, the focus shifts to San Miguel on Christmas Day.”
“We are going to rest our bodies and prepare against San Miguel,” said Jarin.
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