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Phoenix Fuel Masters

{{Short description|Philippine professional basketball team}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}

{{Use Philippine English|date=September 2022}}

{{Infobox NBA team

| current = 2024–25 Phoenix Fuel Masters season

| name = Phoenix Fuel Masters

| logo = Phoenix_Fuel_Masters_2024_logo.png

| founded = 2016

| history = Phoenix Fuel Masters (2016–2018, 2024–present)
Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters (2019)
Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters (2020–2024)

| colors = Red, blue, yellow, black, white
{{color box|#{{PBA color|Phoenix Fuel Masters|1}}}} {{color box|#{{PBA color|Phoenix Fuel Masters|3}}}} {{color box|#{{PBA color|Phoenix Fuel Masters|4}}}} {{color box|#000000}} {{color box|#{{PBA color|Phoenix Fuel Masters|2}}}}

| company = Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc.

| owner = Dennis Ang Uy

| board_governor = Raymond Zorrilla

| manager = Paolo Bugia
Sheila Briones (assistant)

| coach = Jamike Jarin

| ret_nums =

| 1_pattern_b= |1_body= |1_pattern_s= |1_shorts= |1_title=Light uniform

| 2_pattern_b= |2_body= |2_pattern_s= |2_shorts= |2_title=Dark uniform

| website = {{URL|https://www.phoenixfuels.ph/phoenix-fuel-masters/}}

}}

The Phoenix Fuel Masters is a professional basketball team owned by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., which debuted in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the 2016 Commissioner's Cup. The franchise began after the company acquired the second Barako Bull team in January 2016.

History

In March 2011, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., a sponsor of the PBA games, had expressed interest in acquiring a PBA franchise and were in talks to acquire the franchise of the original Barako Bull Energy Boosters team (owned by the Energy Food and Drink, Inc.).{{cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=69&articleid=668547&keyword=sp_pba |title=Barako Bull opts to leave PBA |first=Nelson |last=Beltran |work=Philippine Star |date=March 22, 2011 |access-date=August 18, 2011}} For the sale to proceed, a two-thirds approval from the PBA Board of Governors was needed (7 out of 10 votes).[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/214239/sports/phoenix-needs-pba-board39s-approval-for-purchase-of-barako Phoenix needs PBA board's approval for purchase of Barako], GMA News Online, March 1, 2011 However, it failed to get the necessary number of votes.[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/216450/sports/al most-but-not-quite-no-phoenix-petroleum-in-pro-league-for-now Al most, but not quite: No Phoenix Petroleum in pro league — for now], Rey Joble, GMA News Online, March 29, 2011 Reportedly, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) intended to rename its PBA team as the Petron Blaze Boosters for the 2011 PBA Governors Cup, hence its objection to the proposed entry of Phoenix Petroleum, a business competitor of Petron, in 2011.[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/215240/sports/phoenix-petroleums-pba-entry-a-big-concern-for-san-miguel Phoenix Petroleum’s PBA entry a big concern for San Miguel], Rey Joble, GMA News Online, March 14, 2011 SMC reverted to playing as the San Miguel Beermen in 2014.

In July 2011, the PBA franchise of the original Barako Bull Energy Boosters was acquired by the Lina Group of Companies (Alberto Lina), owner of the original Air21 Express team, reportedly for 50 million pesos.{{cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=69&articleid=704304&keyword=sp_pba |title=Board okays Lina takeover of Barako, TV5 pact |first=Nelson |last=Beltran |work=Philippine Star |date=July 9, 2011 |access-date=August 18, 2011}} The franchise went on to play as the Shopinas.com Clickers{{cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/SportsArticle.aspx?articleId=707436&publicationSubCategoryId=200&keyword=sp_pba |title=Kings to ship Miller to Express for Canaleta |first=Nelson |last=Beltran |work=Philippine Star |date=July 16, 2011 |access-date=August 18, 2011}} and, later, as the second Air21 Express team. In June 2014, the Lina Group sold this franchise to Manila North Tollways Corporation and became the NLEX Road Warriors.[http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/nlex-reaches-deal-to-acquire-air-21-franchise-awaits-league-approval NLEX reaches deal to acquire Air 21 franchise, awaits league approval] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626013527/http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/nlex-reaches-deal-to-acquire-air-21-franchise-awaits-league-approval |date=June 26, 2014 }}, Rey Joble, InterAksyon.com, June 23, 2014[http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-approval-of-air21s-sale-to-nlex-clears-way-for-joseph-yeo-trade-to-ginebra-for-draft-pick PBA approval of Air21's sale to NLEX clears way for Joseph Yeo trade to Ginebra for draft pick], Snow Badua, spin.ph, June 26, 2014

=The Start Of Fuel Masters=

File:Phoenix_Fuelmasters_logo.png

File:Phoenix_Fuelmasters_logo_v2.png

File:Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters logo 2019.png

File:Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters logo.png

In January 2016, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. sealed a deal to acquire the team known as the second Barako Bull team (also known as the original Air21 Express team) from the Lina Group, reportedly in the amount of 100 million pesos.{{cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/01/19/1544310/barako-bull-phoenix-agree-sale-pba-franchise|title=Barako Bull, Phoenix agree on sale of PBA franchise|newspaper=The Philippine Star|last=Beltran|first=Nelson|date=January 19, 2016|access-date=January 20, 2016}} The PBA board of governors unanimously approved the sale on January 20, 2016. In addition, the board also gave its approval for Phoenix Petroleum to play in the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup instead of waiting until the 2016–17 PBA season.[http://pba.inquirer.net/66305/pba-board-oks-sale-of-barako-bull PBA Board OKs sale of Barako Bull], PBA.inquirer.net, January 20, 2016 The coaching staff, players' contracts and contractual obligations will be carried over by the new owners.{{cite news|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/sports/2016/01/23/phoenix-fuel-pba-453346|title=Phoenix to fuel PBA

|work=Rappler.com|last=Bracher|first=Jane|date=February 10, 2016|access-date=February 11, 2016}}

On February 10, 2016, the Phoenix Fuel Masters officially announced their entry into the PBA with a press conference, followed by the unveiling of their new uniforms, held at Novotel Manila in Araneta Center, Cubao.{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/pba/121975-phoenix-fuel-masters-new-beginning-2016-commissioners-cup|title=Phoenix, formerly Barako Bull, thrilled with new PBA beginning

|newspaper=Sun.Star|last=Saberon-Ablayan|first=Marianne|date=January 23, 2016|access-date=January 24, 2016}} The Fuel Masters debuted in the PBA with a 118–106 win over the NLEX Road Warriors at the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup, with Nigerian Kenny Adeleke as import.{{cite news|last1=Beltran|first1=Nelson|title=Fuel Masters smother Warriors in big debut|url=http://www.philstar.com/sports/2016/02/18/1554287/fuel-masters-smother-warriors-big-debut|access-date=February 17, 2016|newspaper=The Philippine Star|date=February 18, 2016}} After four games, he was waived and Kevinn Pinkney took his place as the team reinforcement.

On May 31, 2016, Phoenix announced the appointment of Westports Malaysia Dragons head coach Ariel Vanguardia as the new head coach of the team. He will take over the position formerly occupied by Banal.{{cite news|url=http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/ariel-vanguardia-replaces-koy-banal-as-phoenix-coach-to-kick-off-pba-teams-facelift#lEpBSe0KZ4flbllY.01|title=Ariel Vanguardia replaces Koy Banal as Phoenix coach to kick off PBA team's facelift|publisher=Sports Interactive Network Philippines|last=Terrado|first=Reuben|date=May 31, 2016|access-date=May 31, 2016}}

=Wright - Perkins Tandem (2016 - 2018)=

The Fuel Masters drafted Matthew Wright and Jason Perkins as its first superstars. However, the team struggled to win games and did not win a single game in its first four appearances in the quarterfinals.

=Calvin Abueva and Achieving Success (2018 - 2020)=

On August 7, 2018, 10 days before the start of the Governors' Cup, the Fuel Masters traded Karl Dehesa and a draft pick for 2019 in exchange for Calvin Abueva. He along with Wright, Perkins and import Eugene Phelps led the team to its first twice to beat advantage berth in the quarterfinals after posting an 8–3 record in the eliminations but lost both games to the Meralco Bolts.

During the Philippine Cup of the following season, the team changed colors and logo from red and silver to black and red. They clinched the top seed and a consecutive twice to beat advantage in the quarterfinals with a 9–2 record. They defeated the Alaska Aces 91–76 before losing to the eventual champion San Miguel Beermen five games in the semifinals. Abueva got suspended indefinitely in June 2019 due to two infractions: clotheslining TNT KaTropa import Terrence Jones and doing obscene gestures to the girlfriend of Blackwater Elite player Bobby Parks Jr..

During the pandemic-shortened 2020 Philippine Cup bubble tournament, the team under the name Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, paraded teal and blue as its colors and a new team logo. Topex Robinson was elevated to full-time head coach replacing Louie Alas and Willy Wilson joined the coaching staff after playing three seasons for the team. Abueva was allowed to re-join the roster in October 2020 after undergoing tests imposed by the league. The Fuel Master clinched a twice to beat advantage as the 2nd seed with an 8–3 record in the eliminations. They won against the Magnolia Hotshots 89–88 before losing to the TNT Tropang Giga two games to three in the semifinals. Several players won awards at the end of the tournament including Abueva and Wright as part of the Elite Five, RJ Jazul as Mr. Quality Minutes, Justin Chua as Defensive Player of the Tournament. Chua and Abueva also won as members of the All Bubble D-Fenders team. Veteran JC Intal retired at season's end.

Current roster

{{Main|Phoenix Fuel Masters all-time roster}}

{{Phoenix Fuel Masters roster}}

Players of note

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

{{div col end}}

= Imports =

Awards

=Individual awards=

class=wikitable
style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | PBA Rookie of the Year Award
valign="top" |

style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | PBA All-Defensive Team
valign="top" |
  • Calvin Abueva (2020)
  • Justin Chua (2020)
    • style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | PBA Mythical First Team
    valign="top" |
  • Calvin Abueva (2020)
  • Matthew Wright (2020)
    • style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | PBA Mythical Second Team
    valign="top" |
  • Matthew Wright (2017-18, 2021)
  • Jason Perkins (2023-24)
    • style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | PBA Best Import
    valign="top" |
  • Johnathan Williams (2023-24 Commissioner's Cup)

    • =PBA Press Corps Individual Awards=

    class=wikitable
    style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | PBA Defensive Player of the Year

    ! style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | Mr. Quality Minutes

    ! style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | All-Rookie Team

    valign="top" |

    | valign="top" |

    | valign="top" |

    =All-Star Weekend=

    class=wikitable
    style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | All-Star MVP

    ! style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | Slam Dunk Contest

    ! style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | All-Star Selection

    valign="top" |

    | valign="top" |

    | valign="top" |

    2017

    2018

    2019

    2024

    Front Office

    =Coaches=

    File:PBA - 2021 - Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters huddle - Topex Robinson.jpg and the Fuel Masters during a timeout.]]

    class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="clear:both; margin:1.5em auto; text-align:center;" style="clear:both; margin:1.5em auto; text-align:center;" summary="# (sortable), Name (sortable), Term (sortable), Regular season games coached (sortable), Regular season wins (sortable), Regular season losses (sortable), Regular season winning percentage (sortable), Playoffs games coached (sortable), Playoffs wins (sortable), Playoffs losses (sortable), Playoffs winning percentage (sortable), Achievements and Reference"
    + style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | Phoenix Fuel Masters Head Coaches
    valign="top"

    ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| #

    ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Name

    ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Start

    ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| End

    ! class="unsortable" scope="col" colspan="4"|Regular Season

    ! class="unsortable" scope="col" colspan="4"|Playoffs

    ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Best Finish

    ! scope="col" rowspan="2" class=unsortable| Achievements

    scope="col"| {{abbr|GC|Games coached}}

    ! scope="col"| {{abbr|W|Wins}}

    ! scope="col"| {{abbr|L|Losses}}

    ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Win%|Winning percentage}}

    ! scope="col"| {{abbr|GC|Games coached}}

    ! scope="col"| {{abbr|W|Wins}}

    ! scope="col"| {{abbr|L|Losses}}

    ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Win%|Winning percentage}}

    align=center |{{ntsh|1}}1

    !scope="row" style="background-color:transparent;"|{{sortname|Koy|Banal}}

    |2016

    |2016

    | 11

    | 3

    | 8

    |{{Winning percentage|3|8}}

    | 0

    | 0

    | 0

    |{{Winning percentage|0|0}}

    | N/A

    | N/A

    align=center |{{ntsh|2}}2

    !scope="row" style="background-color:transparent;"|{{sortname|Ariel|Vanguardia}}

    |2016

    |2017

    | 44

    | 17

    | 27

    |{{Winning percentage|17|27}}

    | 5

    | 1

    | 4

    |{{Winning percentage|1|4}}

    | Quarterfinals

    | Quarterfinals

    align=center |{{ntsh|3}}3

    !scope="row" style="background-color:transparent;"|{{sortname|Louie|Alas}}

    |2017

    |2019

    | 66

    | 33

    | 33

    |{{Winning percentage|33|33}}

    | 7

    | 1

    | 6

    |{{Winning percentage|6|1}}

    | Semifinals

    | Semifinals

    align=center |{{ntsh|4}}4

    !scope="row" style="background-color:transparent;"|{{sortname|Topex|Robinson}}

    |2020

    |2023

    | 56

    | 26

    | 30

    |{{Winning percentage|26|30}}

    | 8

    | 3

    | 5

    |{{Winning percentage|3|5}}

    | Semifinals

    | Semifinals

    align=center |{{ntsh|5}}5

    !scope="row" style="background-color:transparent;"|{{sortname|Jamike|Jarin}}

    |2023

    |present

    |

    |

    |

    |{{Winning percentage|0|0}}

    | 7

    | 2

    | 5

    |{{Winning percentage|2|5}}

    | Semifinals

    | Semifinals

    class=wikitable
    style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | Assistant coaches

    ! style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | Team Manager

    ! style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | Board Governor

    ! style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | Alternate Governor

    valign="top" |

    | valign="top" |

    | valign="top" |

    • Dennis Ang Uy (2016–18)
    • Raymond T. Zorrilla (2019 – present)

    | valign="top" |

    • Raymond T. Zorrilla (2016 – present)

    Season-by-season records

    {{main|List of Phoenix Fuel Masters seasons}}

    :Records from the 2024–25 PBA season:

    class=wikitable style="text-align:center;"
    rowspan=2|Conf.rowspan=2|Team namecolspan=4| Elimination roundcolspan=2| Playoffs
    FinishWLPCTStageResults
    GOVrowspan=3 style="{{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}" | Phoenix Fuel Masters6th in Group B19{{Winning percentage|1|9}}rowspan=2 colspan=2| Did not qualify
    COM12th/1339{{Winning percentage|3|9}}
    PHITBDTBDTBD{{Winning percentage|
    } || TBD || TBD

    |-

    !colspan=3|Total elimination round !! 4 || 18 || {{Winning percentage|4|18}} !!colspan=2| 0 Playoffs appearance

    |-

    !colspan=3|Total playoffs !! TBD !! TBD !! {{Winning percentage||}} !!colspan=2| 0 Finals appearance

    |-

    !colspan=3|Total 2024–25 !! 4 || 18 || {{Winning percentage|4|18}} !!colspan=2| 0 Championship

    |-

    !colspan=3|Total franchise !! 107 !! 156 !! {{winning percentage|107|156}} !!colspan=2|0 Championship

    |}

    *one-game playoff
    **team had the twice-to-beat advantage

    See also

    References

    {{reflist|30em}}

    {{Phoenix Fuel Masters}}

    {{Navboxes|titlestyle={{PBA color cell|Phoenix Fuel Masters|border=2}}|list=

    {{Phoenix Fuel Masters seasons}}

    {{Phoenix Fuel Masters current roster}}

    }}

    {{Philippine Basketball Association navbox}}

    Category:2016 establishments in the Philippines

    Category:Basketball teams established in 2016