PBA Free Agency: Phoenix signed veteran center!

 In a move that addresses their need for frontcourt stability, the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters have reportedly signed veteran center Justin Chua. After a stint with TNT where opportunities were limited—often seeing the floor for just over four minutes per game—Chua now moves to a team where his veteran presence and fundamentally sound style of play are expected to pay immediate dividends.

A Veteran Anchor for a Growing Core

Chua arrives in Phoenix as a proven commodity in the PBA. Throughout his career, the former Ateneo standout has built a reputation as a reliable, "blue-collar" big man who understands the nuances of the game on both ends of the floor. Known for his rim protection—having led the league in blocks during the 2020 Philippine Cup—and his ability to operate effectively in the paint, Chua provides the kind of fundamental consistency that every rotation needs.

His arrival is particularly timely as he joins a frontcourt rotation headlined by fellow Ateneo alumnus Kai Ballungay. Ballungay, a rising star who earned a spot on the PBA All-Rookie Team in 2025, has become a cornerstone for Phoenix with his versatile, all-around play. Pairing Ballungay’s youthful energy and athleticism with Chua’s veteran savvy and defensive discipline gives Phoenix a well-rounded interior dynamic that can better compete with the league’s more physical teams.

Moving Past the TNT Stagnation

For Chua, this signing represents a fresh start. During his most recent time with the Tropang Giga, he often found himself buried on the depth chart, struggling to find a consistent rhythm in very limited minutes. In Phoenix, the expectation is that he will be utilized for his core strengths: setting solid screens, boxing out, and providing high-percentage interior scoring.

As the Fuel Masters continue to build around their young core, the addition of a fundamentally sound veteran like Justin Chua is a calculated move to add grit and experience to a team that is looking to make noise in the upcoming conference.

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