SMART CLARK GIGA CITY — Justin Chua was struggling to put the ball through the hoop early in Phoenix Super LPG’s 2020 PBA Philippine Cup square-off versus Blackwater Monday. But when it mattered most, he made his shot.
The 6-foot-6 bruiser sank a triple — after going 0-for-5 from deep prior — with 3:34 left to play. He capped off a 20-5 rally that flipped a 69-77 deficit to an 89-82 lead.
Chua scored a total of five points during that stretch.
The Fuel Masters won, 100-95, completing the comeback from as much as 16 down to collect their third consecutive win and to assure a quarterfinal trip.
Chua finished with just seven points on 3-of-10 shooting, but he once again proved that there’s more than racking up points. He also had 11 rebounds — this, after collaring a career-high 17 in a win versus San Miguel last week.
His presence on the defensive end was huge, too, with five blocks — further solidifying his stature as the league’s blocks leader. After Monday, he now has a per-game average of 1.9 swats.
“It’s basically the technique. It wasn’t taught. ‘Yung tinuro lang sa kanya is the mindset for him to believe in himself,” said Phoenix head coach Topex Robinson of the 31-year-old center.
“We just told him, ‘You’ve been in this league for a while. You’ve been to five teams already. This is the best time for you to make yourself valuable. Whether it’s your defense or your three-point shooting, just make yourself valuable.
“‘Yun lang ‘yung importante sa kanya and he embraced it,” furthered the youthful bench tactician.
Robinson is happy to see Chua show what he’s capable of with the Fuel Masters, his sixth team in the PBA after bouncing around the league that saw him play for GlobalPort, San Miguel, Barako Bull, Meralco, and TNT.
“What we love about Justin is so coachable. He’s always gonna ask you questions. He’s not hesitant to try things, to gamble on things, to innovate, in which he’s going to make mistakes,” he said.
“But he’s receptive and we’re just happy for him. We’re just happy that Justin finally broke out of his shell.”
