KUALA LUMPUR — Phoenix Petroleum is strongly eyeing Singapore Slingers Fil-American Kris Rosales to add to its roster, and the Fuel Masters are hoping the seal the deal this second time after failing to sign up their 2015 PBA draft pick.
Coach Koy Banal expressed interest in Rosales so much so he went to the Malaysian capital to personally watch him play for the Slingers in Game Five of the 2015-2016 Asean Basketball League on Saturday against the Westports Malaysia Dragons.
"Very, very interested," said Banal. "He is a great court general and he has great skills sa dribble penetration."
Rosales scored 22 points in the do-or-die game, but his efforts were not enough as the Slingers bowed to the Dragons at the MABA Stadium here, 77-65.
The then-Barako Bull franchise selected Rosales in the second round of last year's Rookie Draft following a stint in the PBA D-League, but Rosales signed with the Slingers after he didn't crack the lineup of the squad as Banal explained they were stacked in the point guard position at the time.
Still, Banal said he has been interested in Rosales for so long since his nephew was his former teammate at Hope University.
"Nakita ko 'yung games niya nun at nung nalaman ko na si Kris magpapa-draft, sabi ko sa kanya, akin ka," said Banal.
With former Barako Bull guard Jeric Fortuna recently traded to Globalport, Banal said the need for a type of player like Rosales arose and the veteran mentor is looking forward to coach the Fil-Am guard.
"Iba 'yung nasa game shape na. Makikita mo what he is made off," said Banal of Rosales, who has also drawn interest from four other PBA teams including Talk 'N Text.
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