(c) PBA Media Bureau
The rise of Phoenix is real. They currently have 4 wins and 1 loss this conference, and one of the top teams in the on-going 2018 Governors' Cup of the PBA.
Of course, this trend started with the acquisition of Calvin Abueva. In an interview with Spin.ph, coach Louie Alas explained the effect of Calvin on his team." Kahit saan magpuntang team si Calvin, talagang game-changer talaga ‘yung bata eh. Hindi minamalas ‘yung effort na ‘yun ang number one strength in Calvin, talagang relentless."
But their success is not all about Calvin. They also have the most unstoppable import in the conference in Eugene Phelps. Phelps is averaging 29.2 points, 17.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 3.0 blocks and 50% FG per game.
Other than those two, the Fuel Masters should be happy to witness the possible rise of their own big 3. In the PBA landscape today, a team should not expect to win a championship without the presence of at least 3 all-star caliber players.
And Fuel Masters may have formed their own troika this conference.
The first member is, of course, Calvin Abueva. He is the muscle of the core. He is currently producing 14.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.8 blocks and 36% 3FG per game.
The second member is no other than one of the best shooter in the league, Matthew Wright. Wright is manufacturing 12.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 42% 3FG per game. As you can see, Wright has switch-forms and he is now one of the best playmaking wings in the league as shown by his 10th best assists-production.
The third member is their most recent 1st round pick, Jason Perkins. Perkins is the Mr. Efficiency of this group. He is not flashy but man, the kid does his job effectively and efficiently! His current statline is 16.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 66% FG per game.
Phoenix' big three is so modern that you cannot put the word "conventional" in the same sentence with them. All of them can play at least three different positions.
Wright can play PG, SG and SF. Calvin can go to PF, SF and even be the play creator. And of course, Perkins can play SF, PF and even the center position! Remember that they can play these positions on both ends of the courts.
They are so modern that the three of them can shoot from beyond the arc. Yes, only Wright is elite in that area but the most important thing is, they can shoot it!
Lastly, all of them can pass and be the playmaker. That is one of the current penance of this modern version of the game. Other than shooting, the ability of their death line-up to make plays for others, made the Golden State Warriors unstoppable in the NBA.
Phoenix can also do that in the PBA. But the task will be on the shoulders of coach Alas in creating the right system to maximize the three of them.
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