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Phoenix Super LPG used the 2020 PBA Philippines Cup as their team’s breakthrough, not only in terms of success, but also in terms of expanding their fan base. From their early success to tough times to their incredible playoff run, the Fuel Masters made their games a must-have on television.
Their step inside the PBA bubble ended at the hands of a loaded TNT Tropang Giga team that simply had a little more experience in pressure situations when they won Game 5, 91-81, by turning the match into a defensive affair. . .
Even with the elimination, Phoenix Super LPG head coach Topex Robinson was all smiles when he came off his bench.
“We are going to come out of this bubble as a proud team. We gave our best. What is important to us are the memories and learning experiences we gained. In the future, it is something we could continue: the experience, the shared. adversities, triumphs, there’s so much to be thankful for, “said Robinson, who surprised many PBA fans with a season in the semifinals in his debut conference as head coach.
“When we got to the semi-finals, we already said that we were very grateful for the opportunity. TNT was the best team and I am very proud of the way we fought the best team.”
The Fuel Masters had to face tough challenges before the conference started as they parted ways with former head coach Louie Alas just as the PBA allowed teams to practice in groups. They started running into Clark, but a dark cloud hung over them with the Calvin Abueva situation.
However, throughout it all, Phoenix Super LPG found more and more about themselves. They recognized their identity and when they got The Beast back, they had an extra shot of energy that pushed them into second place after the elimination round.
They eliminated the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok in the quarterfinals as they seemed to be good enough to march towards the big dance. Unfortunately for them, Matthew Wright sprained his ankle in Game 1 of the semifinals against TNT in a contest that they narrowly lost. They overcame the injury and were up 2-1 in the series. However, the Tropang Giga had more tricks up its sleeve when it dislodged the Fuel Masters in Games 4 and 5.
“We accomplished too much. This is the tip of the iceberg for us. We have so many things to grow from. Life will always have its ups and downs, but you have to keep going,” Robinson said. The young coach added that it is not just about wins and losses, but how many people received his message of spreading the joy and virtue of service.
“Coming out of this bubble, I’m sure we touched many lives, not just Phoenix fans, but the entire basketball community. We earned their respect and that is what we asked to enter the bubble. The challenge for us is to keep her alive. “
Robinson is proud of his entire team, but there must have been added pride in seeing Abueva not only play in the PBA again, but look like a changed man.
“I’m very proud of the way Calvin finished the game,” he said. “There were times when his temper was tested, but he held his ground until the end of the game.”
After Game 5, Robinson had a long conversation in center court with Ray Parks, Jr., the player who was painted as Abueva’s adversary in the series.
“I told him I was so proud of the way he fought on the series. You have to respect the guy. He was so consistent. He was on top of his game. He did my hard work, for which I am very grateful.” “Robinson explained.
When asked what his favorite moment of the entire bubble experience was, Robinson chose the ending.
“This game,” he said, “because it put me to the test as a coach.”
“It was a humbling experience for me. I have many things to learn from. I am going to keep my cup empty and absorb as much as I can.”
Phoenix Super LPG will leave the PBA bubble with its head held high not only with what they accomplished but with what they could become in the near future. They know that they may be one of two pieces away from becoming a legitimate threat to the championship and this loss, no matter how painful it may be today, will only prepare them more for the bigger battles to come.
