Phoenix head coach Louie Alas is satisfied with the arrival of stocky forward-center Dave Marcelo and lengthy guard-forward Alex Mallari to the Fuel Masters camp, as they have added two seasoned players who are proven winners.
Phoenix got Marcelo and Mallari last December from the NLEX Road Warriors in exchange for their number four pick in the 2018 Draft. That pick turned out to be Paul Desiderio, but he was traded later on to the Blackwater Elite.
Both players have championships to boast of. Marcelo, the 12th overall pick by the now-defunct Barako Bull in 2012, was part of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel squad that took home the Governors’ Cup title back in 2016. Moreover, he is a four-time NCAA champion with the San Beda Red Lions.
Mallari, meanwhile, has four golds under his belt, including a rare Grand Slam victory in the 2013-2014 season when he was part of the celebrated San Mig Coffee Mixers team bannered by stars Marc Pingris, PJ Simon, and James Yap.
“Nadagdagan kami ng two talented players na winners,” said Alas.
“With their addition, makakatulong sila ng malaki.”
Mallari and Marcelo are also the answer to Alas’ wishes. Back in the Draft Combine, the veteran tactician – who’s entering his second season with Phoenix – told reporters that he was looking for a guard and a big man.
Now, both cagers are eager to help the Fuel Masters, their fifth team in six years, in any way they can.
“They made a lot of noise last year. Couldn’t get over the hump with Meralco and they were right there and ready to make the next step. I’m just happy to be here and try to help them any way I can,” said the 31-year-old Mallari.
“Usually, ang role ko naman mag-defend at first. Yun talaga yung role ko,” said Marcelo, on the other hand. “Ang goal ng team namin ngayon is umabot ng semis. Yun yung main goal namin. If ever, mag-championship. Yun.
“Kumpleto naman kami, somehow. Lahat competitive — lahat alam mo may gagawin at may maitutulong sa team.”
