MARCELLUS Earlington hopes to finish off what BJ Johnson has begun for Phoenix.
The Fuel Masters brought in the 26-year-old Earlington to take over the place of Johnson when the PBA Governors’ Cup returns on Oct. 7.
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Team manager Paolo Bugia confirmed the import replacement to SPIN.ph on Wednesday, exactly a week before action in the season-ending conference resumes at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Bugia said Johnson was under contract with the team only until the second half of the eliminations and left to fulfill a prior commitment.
“He (Johnson) was really only signed until August from the start,” related the former PBA player turned team executive. “May prior obligation na siya (Johnson) in another league.”
Johnson left the Fuel Masters in a good situation, guiding them to a 4-3 (win-loss) record for a share of second place in Group B with Magnolia.
Earlington already suited up for Phoenix in a tune-up game against Mongolian team Omni Erdenet Broncos that featured former PBA import KJ McDaniels.
The Broncos won, 83-80.
Bugia said Earlington will be measured at the PBA office next week.
Earlington was a product of University of San Diego and has played in Israel, Italy, and the US.
Phoenix won’t be playing its first game back until Oct. 16 against Meralco at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
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