Phoenix coach Topex Robinson isn’t closing the door on Matthew Wright staying with the Super LPG Fuel Masters beyond his contract expiring in August but if the sharpshooter from St. Bona-venture University opts to leave for the Japanese B.League, it’s a decision that’s understandable.
“We cleared the air,” said Robinson. “Matt will honor his contract and he’s committed to play his best. He’s a competitor, he won’t play safe. Management appreciates that he’s open. What-ever is his decision, it will be for his family and we can’t argue with that if it’s for greener pastures. But this is his home, he has business here. Matt never hid the fact that as early as the first bubble, he had offers from Japan. He’s a pro, he won’t short-hand us. We’re still in the process of negotiating with him.” Although Wright is getting married in the US next month, the Gilas mainstay said it may mean missing only a game in the Philippine Cup.
In case Wright exits, Phoenix took out an insurance policy by trading for Javee Mocon who played for the Fuel Masters’ assistant coach Jamike Jarin at San Beda. The deal involved giving up Nick Demusis and a pair of future draft picks to Rain Or Shine.
Robinson said he couldn’t be happier with rookies Tyler Tio and Encho Serrano while Jarin was just as enthusiastic in discussing another freshman Chris Lalata’s upside. “Honestly, I dreamed of getting Tyler at No. 14 in the draft but I never expected it,” said Robinson. “He’s a smart player and he’ll be our starting point guard. Aljun (Melecio) can play two with Tyler at one on offense then maybe, they’ll switch on defense. RJ (Jazul) and RR (Garcia) are our vets and backcourt stabilizers. With Matt a natural two, Encho can play three. Encho’s a small Calvin Abueva who likes to bang bodies and initiate contact. It’s only now that he’s being introduced to strength and conditioning so he’s beefing up.”
Jarin said Lalata, a 6-6 find, is in the injured reserve list but will be activated eventually. “Chris is a Mangyan with an amazing history,” said Jarin. “He was at St. Francis, went back to Mindoro then moved to Las Piñas Colleges and Olivarez. In the draft combine, Chris had the longest wingspan. He’s athletic and our big of the future.”