Ten-year pro Jeff Chan had to miss the Phoenix Fuel Masters’ game against the Kia Picanto last December 27. Even one of the most durable players in the league right now had to stay at home during that time as he battled fever and sore eyes.
“Nagkasakit ako eh, trangkaso tsaka sore eyes. Nahawa ako sa babies,” shared the Bacolod-born sniper.
“Actually hindi pa, naghahabol pa nga ako eh,” he added. “I think January 2 ako nakabalik kaya kanina sumesenyas ako kay coach na sub pag pagod na ako.
“Hopefully next game okay na yung condition ko.”
But it did not seem that way Sunday evening as he provided the spark the Fuel Masters needed to fend off the highly-touted NLEX Road Warriors.
The 6-foot-2 gunner scored 11 of his 18 points in the second frame. He finished the game shooting a lights out 8-for-11 clip. And he needed to gut it out as he wanted to prove a point — that Phoenix is a force to be reckoned with this conference.
“Actually, siyempre kailangan natin talunin yung mga malalakas na team,” explained Chan after the Fuel Masters’ win over the Road Warriors, 102-95. “Sila yung mga mahirap kasi eh. Para ma-reach namin yung goal na makaabot sa playoffs, kailangan namin sila matalo. Para yung kumpiyansa namin hindi bumaba.”
Even with a 2-1 slate and him averaging a team-high 18.0 markers per contest, Chan, who was traded to Phoenix last August 7, admitted that he is still adjusting to the full court defense imposed by first-year Phoenix head coach Louie Alas.
“Challenge di ba? Pero I think maganda na rin sa akin yun kasi nakukundisyon ako,” shared the two-time PBA champion. “So at least, mas better yun kasi matatapos ko yung game, hindi ako yung sobrang hingal na hingal.
“I think better yun sa buong team, hindi lang sa akin.”
And with a veteran like Jeff Chan buying into what Alas is preaching, it’s safe to say that the rest of the Fuel Masters have as well.
