Phoenix eyes winning debut for coach Charles Tiu against Magnolia in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

Games on Friday
(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
5:15 p.m. – Blackwater vs NLEX
7:30 p.m. – Magnolia vs Phoenix

PHOENIX seeks to give coach Charles Tiu a winning debut and its redemption tour an auspicious start as it battles Magnolia in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Fuel Masters installed Mr. Tiu as the man at the helm at the start of the year, replacing Willy Wilson who steered them to a 3-8 record and ninth place in the season-opening Philippine Cup.

Also poised to hit the ground running in their maiden appearances are 6-foot-10 import James Dickey III and No. 8 rookie selection Will Gozum, who join forces with Phoenix holdovers led by veteran Jason Perkins and young guns Ricci Rivero, Ken Tuffin, Kai Ballungay and Tyler Tio.

Standing in their way are the Hotshots, who are out to improve on their quarterfinal showing in LA Tenorio’s first conference in charge during the last All-Filipino.

Magnolia changed reinforcements ahead of its maiden gig, tapping 6-foot-9 South Sudanese Anunwa “Nuni” Omot in lieu of original choice Terrell Brown-Soares.

The Fuel Masters and the Hotshots mix it up in the 7:30 p.m. main game.

Kicking off Day 2 action in the import-spiced tournament are NLEX and Blackwater at 5:15 p.m.

Like the Hotshots, the Road Warriors aim to go deeper this time after getting stranded in the last 8 of the previous conference.

The Jong Uichico-coached squad signed up 6-foot-10 former NBA player Cady Lalanne and acquired Schonny Winston and Kevin Racal in a trade to reinforce the crew spearheaded by Robert Bolick, Kevin Alas, Tony Semerad, Brandon Ramirez and JB Bahio.

The Bossing pin their hopes on 6-foot-11 Daniel Ochefu, who finally makes his first PBA bow after his aborted stint with Rain or Shine in the 2023 edition. Mr. Ochefu is expected to provide inside presence and leadership to the likes of Sedrick Barefield, Christian David, Dalph Panopio, RK Ilagan and Abu Tratter. — Olmin Leyba