TYLER Tio admits the PBA Philippine Cup will be another big test for the Phoenix Fuel LPG.
Not only will the Fuel Masters try to be up to the task of matching the semifinal feat they accomplished in the last Commissioner’s Cup, they also have to do things without ever-reliable import Johnathan Williams this time around.
Tio admitted Williams, who emerged as the Best Import of the season-opening conference, was a pillar for Phoenix on both ends of the floor, averaging all-around numbers of 24.9 points, 16.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
With the former NBA player at the helm, Phoenix reached the semifinals of an import-laden conference for the very first time in franchise history and made its first Final Four appearance since the 2020 bubble season.
The Fuel Masters though, lost to the Magnolia Hotshots in the best-of-five semis, 3-1.
“Sobrang reliant kami sa kanya (Williams) both offense and defense. Sa kanya talaga yung system namin kumbaga,” said the sophomore guard.
“I see it as a challenge without our import.”
Phoenix opens its campaign on Friday against a tall, athletic, and fast-paced Northport side at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With Williams not around, Tio believes this is the perfect time for the Fuel Masters to turn doubters into believers and prove they can compete even in the absence of an import.
Jason Perkins is expected to lead the Phoenix’s charge after leading the locals in scoring last conference with averages of 15.2 points along with 6.8 rebounds.
Tio submitted numbers of 9.6 points, just behind rookie big man Ken Tuffin, who posted averages of 9.7 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Newly re-signed team captain RJ Jazul, veterans Javee Mocon and RR Garcia along with JJ Alejandro and another rookie in Ricci Rivero are also expected to perform prominently for coach Mike Jarin’s team.
“It’s going to be a new challenge for us as we have stepped up us locals. We’ll see. It will be interesting,” said Tio.
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