PBA newcomer Phoenix Fuel Masters eye quarterfinal finish

MANILA, Philippines – PBA newcomer Phoenix Petroleum will be known as the Phoenix Fuel Masters with an initial goal of being a middle-of-the-pack team in their league debut in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

“We aim to be in the third to sixth spots which means a best-of-three quarterfinals. And we would take it from there,” said coach Koy Banal during the official launch of the Phoenix Petroleum ball club attended by Phoenix president and chief executive officer Dennis Uy and vice president Raymond Zorilla.

Core players JC Intal, Willy Wilson, Mick Pennisi, Josh Urbiztondo and RR Garcia also graced the event highlighted by the presentation of the playing jerseys the team is wearing.

Phoenix Petroleum, the league’s newest ballclub that took over the Barako Bull franchise, plays its first game versus the NLEX Road Warriors on Feb. 17.

Intal and company believe hard work, dedication and determination will help them make their new bosses proud.

“With hard work, good things come along,” said Intal, a contribution of the old franchise to Gilas Pilipinas in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha, China.

“It’s a new journey, it’s a new beginning and we’re all excited,” said Urbiztondo.

The other members of the team are James Forrester, Emman Monfort, Jeric Fortuna, Prince Caperal, Chico Lanete, Michael Miranda, Paul Sorongon, Mac Baracael and Rodney Brondial who will be reinforced by Nigerian import Andrew Adeleke.

The management kept the old lineup and the coaching staff including assistant coaches Art dela Cruz, Jonas Mendoza and Paolo Rivero.

Former player Paolo Bugia serves as the team manager.