Phoenix Super LPG head coach Topex Robinson vowed that his wards will still compete the best it can even after losing one of its stars to free agency.
The Fuel Masters on Wednesday saw Chris Banchero leave as the veteran floor general signed a three-year max deal with Meralco, arguably the biggest name from the 2014 draft class to take advantage of the PBA’s new FA ruling.
“We will continue to compete at the highest level,” Robinson wrote in a text message to Tiebreaker Times moments after the signing’s announcement.
“Moving forward, our goal is to be as competitive as we can with what we have.”
Banchero, 33, arrived at Phoenix in February of last year after being traded by Magnolia for Calvin Abueva in a deal that also included draft picks.
He started the 2021 Philippine Cup slowly no thanks to a calf injury but ended his first conference with his new team with averages of 9.1 points, 4.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in nine outings.
Although the Fuel Masters failed to qualify to the quarterfinals following back-to-back appearances in the all-Filipino semis, promising was the backcourt partnership he formed with main man Matthew Wright.
And as he established his place in the squad, the former fifth overall pick by Alaska upped the ante come the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup.
Banchero put up 18.0 points on 55.4-percent shooting from the field, 4.4 dimes, 3.6 boards, and 2.4 swipes in five games — all the more reason for the Dennis Uy-owned franchise to keep him in the long haul.
Well, in a statement, the team said that it did offer him a three-year deal “that any player would envy.” His contract expired last January 31.
Ultimately, though, the Fil-Italian playmaker decided to test out the free agent market, eventually joining the MVP-owned ball club.
“After exhausting all efforts to retain him including a three-year contract offer that any player would envy, sadly he will no longer represent the Phoenix team,” said Phoenix, who’s currently 3-2 in the conference.
Despite that, Robinson only wishes Banchero all the best now that he’s with Meralco, whom they are about to face in the season resumption.
“We are happy for CB and wish him the best with Meralco,” wrote the former cager turned mentor.
