PHOENIX coach Topex Robinson is looking forward to the leadership that Sean Anthony can bring to the team upon arriving in a trade with NorthPort that was approved by the PBA on Friday.
Robinson said that while the team was sad to let Vic Manuel go, he reckoned Anthony will be an asset to the Fuel Masters especially after seeing how he conducted himself in the Bacolor semi-bubble as NorthPort team captain.
Anthony was one of the players who picked up the cudgels for the Batang Pier when head coach Pido Jarencio was placed under the league’s health and safety protocols during one stretch of the Bacolor semi-bubble.
“Obviously, ‘yung leadership niya. I was observing him during the bubble. Nung time na wala si coach Pido, nandoon si coach Bonnie [Tan], he helped out coach Bonnie in coaching the team,” said Robinson.
“I don’t know what he was telling to the players but the players listened to him. He must be saying something with substance and value,” said Robinson.
After spending the best years of his PBA career with NorthPort, Anthony found himself on the move when he was traded to Phoenix along with Sean Manganti and a 2021 second-round draft pick for Manuel and Michael Calisaan.
The trade ends Manuel’s brief time with Phoenix just months after he was acquired in a trade with Alaska before the 2021 Philippine Cup, shortly after the Fuel Masters shipped his pal Calvin Abueva to Magnolia.
Career season
During his time with the Batang Pier, the 35-year-old Anthony won a spot in the Mythical First Team in 2019 along with an All-Defensive Team spot and the Defensive Player of the Year award in what was his best season in the PBA after playing for six different teams over the span of seven years prior to suiting up for NorthPort.
Though injuries slowed Anthony over the past few years, Robinson said his willingness to work hard will benefit Phoenix in its bid to become a title contender.
Anthony averaged 10.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 steals in eight games with the Batang Pier during the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup campaign.
“What I love about Sean as much as he talks a lot, he invests on himself. He takes care of his body. Parang Asi during the latter part of his career. No doubt he is a hardworker,” said Robinson.
Robinson said Phoenix star Matthew Wright is also looking forward to teaming up with Anthony. Wright and Anthony were both born in Canada.
“Matt likes him. He is excited. I also value that,” said Robinson.
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