Phoenix Super LPG’s rise from the bottom of the PBA Governors’ Cup has been nothing short of impressive.
After a winless start, the Fuel Masters have worked their way up to the eighth spot in the playoff picture, thanks to their crucial wins. Their most recent victory over quarterfinals-bound Converge has been a game-changer for the team.
The Fuel Masters’ quick-fire rookie, Encho Serrano, was instrumental in their win against Converge.
The native of Pampanga scored a career-high of 28 points, with all of his output coming in the second half, including a 17-point eruption in the payoff period. Serrano’s efficient shooting from the floor on an 11-of-16 mark laced with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal in only 22 minutes of play earned him the Cignal Play-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period Feb. 22-26.
Serrano is no stranger to accolades, as he became the first rookie to earn two PBAPC-POW honors after winning his first in the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup when he also anchored Phoenix’s five-game winning streak from a 0-3 start.
Only Blackwater’s Ato Ular has shared the same honor as a freshman this season.
Serrano credits his success to his mentality of always staying ready. He said, “Lagi lang sinasabi sa akin ni Coach Jamike [Jarin] to stay ready. Noong first half, iniisip ko na gusto ko talaga makatulong. Hindi naman nawawala ‘yung confidence ko. Gusto ko lang talaga makatulong sa team,” said the La Salle product.
From being at the bottom of the league, they have now taken flight into the playoff picture, with Serrano serving as one of the fuels that sparked Phoenix’s soar. The Fuel Masters’ climb to 3-5 is good enough for a comfortable leeway from Northport (2-6), Rain or Shine (2-6), and Terrafirma (2-6) in the mad dash for the last quarterfinals ticket.
Phoenix Super LPG’s journey has been a rollercoaster ride, but their determination to succeed has paid off. With Serrano leading the way, the Fuel Masters are on the right track.
