RR Garcia tried out for Rain or Shine in a tune-up game against Phoenix two weeks ago.
It seems it was the Elasto Painters’ opponent that gave the free-agent playmaker a second look.
The Fuel Masters have acquired Garcia alongside fellow free agent Davon Potts to give their backcourt a shot in the arm.
Phoenix made the announcement through its Twitter account, before team governor Raymond Zorilla confirmed the development in a text message on Monday night.
OFFICIAL: We’ve signed Davon Potts and RR Garcia.
— Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters (@fuelmasters) September 16, 2019
Welcome to the team guys! #FightToThePhoenix pic.twitter.com/ECmv8zL8uR
Phoenix manager Paolo Bugia said the team signed both players to "short term" deals, although the Fuel Masters are open to giving them longer contracts if their performance merits it.
"We primarly needed them to fill in our depleted lineup due to injuries and suspension. But their performance will dictate their potential to negotiate an extension," Bugia said.
Garcia, a six-year veteran and former UAAP MVP, has been inactive for nine months after last playing for TNT, but at his best, the 5-foot-11 combo guard can provide instant offense off the bench and is even still good enough to start for some teams.
Potts, on the other hand, played for Alaska in his first two years in the league, before taking his act to the 3x3 scene after he failed to get a contract extension from the Aces.
Garcia and Potts now join a Fuel Masters’ backcourt featuring RJ Jazul, LA Revilla, and Alex Mallari, among others in a squad that's still missing suspended Calvin Abueva.
