RJ Jazul saw himself part of yet another major achievement by Phoenix Super LPG in the ongoing PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, Wednesday night.
The Fuel Masters secured a twice-to-beat edge for the quarterfinals following a 93-83 victory over Meralco.
And in that win, the veteran floor general himself helped deliver through a clutch triple to douse cold water to their foes’ comeback bid.
It’s the first time since the 2020 Philippine Cup bubble that the franchise locked such a playoff incentive. They put that into good use by knocking out perennial contender Magnolia, and went just a win away from their first Finals trip.
That batch is best remembered for being bannered by Matthew Wright and Calvin Abueva but part of it, of course, was Jazul.
Thus, the quick realization on the 37-year-old’s part as he reflected on being somehow the constant figure in the Fuel Masters.
“As one of the… Hindi pala one, ako pala ‘yung pinaka-matagal sa Phoenix,” said Jazul as he’s been with the club since 2017 after being traded by Alaska in exchange for Simon Enciso, making him their longest-tenured player.
He’s seen everything unfold within the organization, particularly the changes that have happened over the past seven years.
And that’s why there’s no other Fuel Master that’s capable of making sure that the young ones won’t forget what the team stands – and plays – for.
“Naaano ko ‘yung experience ng Phoenix as a team. From up and down, ‘di ba, from Matt era, other coaches. Akin lang just to lead, and to set an example. And, ‘yung culture na ginagawa namin since the beginning,” he said.
So, it’s also on him and the other mainstays to make sure that they remain grounded and focused whatever their situation may be.
That applies to their ongoing campaign as well, where Jazul would want to see his team stay locked in despite gaining a win-once playoff incentive.
Phoenix (8-2) still has one more game left in its elimination round schedule, against TNT on January 14, and the vet hopes that they’d all ace that test and carry over that momentum heading into the next round.
“Kanina lang pinag-usapan namin, even though twice-to-beat kami, we want to end the eliminations on a winning note,” he said.
“Hindi naman maganda na OK lang, kasi mamaya dalhin mo ‘yun sa playoffs eh, ‘yung momentum na losing,” he added. “If you end the round losing, iba. ‘Yung feeling ng team, unlike ‘pag nananalo ka, carry over lahat sa team.”
