Phoenix is hoping to finally address its import woes by signing Brandone Francis for the ongoing PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
On Monday, the Fuel Masters announced the acquisition of the Dominican winger, days after their previous choice Le’Bryan Nash was ruled ineligible.
Supposed to replace Jayveous McKinnis, the 32-year-old forward went over the 6-foot-6 height limit as he was measured 6’6″ 3/8 by the league.
The team was confident that he’d make the cut as he’s listed 6-foot-4 in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) website, only to be proven otherwise.
And so, the Phoenix management searched for a safer bet after learning its lesson the hard way and ended up with Francis, who’s listed at 6-foot-5.
(C) IBL
Francis, like Nash, is also coming from the IBL.
He’s spent the last two years in the league, where he played a key role in Prawira Harum Bandung’s championship run in 2023.
That success enabled the club to compete in both rounds of FIBA’s Basketball Champions League Asia Qualifiers earlier this year.
In seven games, Francis averaged 22.3 points – including a pair of 31-point outings – along with 5.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and a steal in 29 minutes.
Now, the Dominican Republic men’s team stalwart is joining a Fuel Masters side hoping to get its first win of the conference as it is currently 0-3 in Group B.
He is expected to make his PBA debut on Tuesday, September 3, as Phoenix faces George King and Blackwater at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
