The returning Eugene Phelps proved himself once more as the Phoenix Fuel Masters’ go-to guy on Saturday night, but it might be the last time he will suit up for Phoenix this conference.
The 27-year-old powered the Fuel Masters to a 118-116 double OT win over the Blackwater Elite with a monster outing, posting a new career-high of 53 points along with 21 rebounds. And he made the most out of his only game for Phoenix, playing all but four minutes in the game.
“My teammates and coaches, they were running plays for me and thank God I was making my shots,” said the California native with his stellar play.
“It’s my only game here so I had to make a good appearance and win for the team.”
Phoenix head coach Ariel Vanguardia is hoping that Phelps can stay for a few more games, but prior commitments abroad are preventing the Long Beach State product from remaining.
“I think I’m leaving tomorrow,” Phelps shared.
“I’ll leave for Puerto Rico on the 29th so I need my break [since] I just came from Taiwan and I was there for like 5-6 months. We played like 2-3 games a week.”
Phelps was actually planning to go on a break after his Taiwan stint, but he could not say no to Phoenix and Vanguardia once they had reached out and invited him to play.
“I already signed but coach Ariel hit me up right after Taiwan and asked me if I could come in for like a game or two. That’s my guy so I told him I got no problem and I’m here,” recalled Phelps, who signed with Brujos de Guayama of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional in Puerto Rico three months ago.
But nevertheless, the six-foot-seven American is hopeful that he will be able to return in time for the Fuel Masters in the 2017 Governor’s Cup.
“I should be back for the third conference if everything goes to plan so we’ll see what happens,” Phelps said.
