Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters

The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters is a professional basketball team owned by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., which debuted in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the 2016 Commissioner's Cup. The franchise began after the company acquired the second Barako Bull team in January 2016.

Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters
2022–23 Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters season
Founded	2016
History	Phoenix Fuel Masters (2016–2018) Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters (2019) Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters (2020–present)
Team colors	Teal, gray, white
Company	Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc.
Board governor	Dennis Uy Raymond Zorrilla (alternate)
Team manager	Paolo Bugia
Head coach	Topex Robinson
Ownership	Dennis Ang Uy
Affiliation(s)	Limitless Appmasters
Website	www.phoenixfuels.ph/phoenix-fuel-masters/

History

In March 2011, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., a sponsor of the PBA games, had expressed interest in acquiring a PBA franchise and were in talks to acquire the franchise of the original Barako Bull Energy Boosters team (owned by the Energy Food and Drink, Inc.).^[1] For the sale to proceed, a two-thirds approval from the PBA Board of Governors was needed (7 out of 10 votes).^[2] However, it failed to get the necessary number of votes.^[3] Reportedly, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) intended to rename its PBA team as the Petron Blaze Boosters for the 2011 PBA Governors Cup, hence its objection to the proposed entry of Phoenix Petroleum, a business competitor of Petron, in 2011.^[4] SMC reverted to playing as the San Miguel Beermen in 2014.

In July 2011, the PBA franchise of the original Barako Bull Energy Boosters was acquired by the Lina Group of Companies, owner of the original Air21 Express team, reportedly for 50 million pesos.^[5] The franchise went on to play as the Shopinas.com Clickers^[6] and, later, as the second Air21 Express team. In June 2014, the Lina Group sold this franchise to Manila North Tollways Corporation and became the NLEX Road Warriors.^[7][8]

The Start Of Fuel Masters

 

Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters' logo used during the 2016 Commissioner's Cup

 

Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters' logo used from 2017 to 2018.

 

Logo used in 2019.

In January 2016, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. sealed a deal to acquire the team known as the second Barako Bull team (also known as the original Air21 Express team) from the Lina Group, reportedly in the amount of 100 million pesos.^[9] The PBA board of governors unanimously approved the sale on January 20, 2016. In addition, the board also gave its approval for Phoenix Petroleum to play in the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup instead of waiting until the 2016–17 PBA season.^[10] The coaching staff, players' contracts and contractual obligations will be carried over by the new owners.^[11]

On February 10, 2016, the Phoenix Fuel Masters officially announced their entry into the PBA with a press conference, followed by the unveiling of their new uniforms, held at Novotel Manila in Araneta Center, Cubao.^[12] The Fuel Masters debuted in the PBA with a 118–106 win over the NLEX Road Warriors at the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup, with Nigerian Kenny Adeleke as import.^[13] After four games, he was waived and Kevinn Pinkney took his place as the team reinforcement.

On May 31, 2016, Phoenix announced the appointment of Westports Malaysia Dragons head coach Ariel Vanguardia as the new head coach of the team. He will take over the position formerly occupied by Banal.^[14]

Current roster

Main article: Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters all-time roster

Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters roster v t e
Players	Coaches
Pos. # POB Name Height Weight DOB (YYYY–MM–DD) From F 0   Perkins, Jason 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 235 lb (107 kg) 1992–09–20 De La Salle C 1   Muyang, Larry 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1995–06–04 Letran F 2   Manganti, Sean 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 1994–04–18 Adamson G 3   Lojera, Kurt (R) 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 188 lb (85 kg) 1995–10–16 De La Salle G/F 5   Rios, Jansen 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1991–10–28 Adamson F/C 6   Lalata, Chris (R) 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 198 lb (90 kg) 1995–01–09 Olivarez F 7   Mocon, Javee 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 189 lb (86 kg) 1995–04–07 San Beda G 8   Garcia, RR 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 165 lb (75 kg) 1990–01–12 Far Eastern F/C 9   Pascual, Jake 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1988–11–11 San Beda F 10   Anthony, Sean (C) 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1986–01–26 McGill F/C 11   Adamos, Ben 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1995–12–30 UPHSD G 13   Jazul, RJ 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1986–04–11 Letran G 18   Serrano, Encho (R) 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 176 lb (80 kg) 1999–09–18 De La Salle G 19   Tio, Tyler (R) 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1998–04–05 Ateneo F 20   Camacho, Simon 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) Adamson G 25   Robles, Billy 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 1992–05–30 NIPSC F 35   Maxwell, Du'Vaughn (I) 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1991–10–28 Hampton F –   Napoles, Jorey (3x3) 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 1993–11–26 TIP F –   Salva, Nico (3x3) 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 194 lb (88 kg) 1990–03–08 Ateneo G –   Tamsi, Alfrancis (3x3) 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 158 lb (72 kg) 1992–03–25 Far Eastern	Head coach   Topex Robinson Assistant coach(es)   Jamike Jarin (1st assistant)   Jon Jacinto   Kristofer Reyes   Willy Wilson Team manager   Paolo Bugia Legend (C) Team captain (I) Import (DP) Unsigned draft pick (FA) Free agent (IN) Inactive (S) Suspended (R) Rookie (3x3) Assigned to 3x3 team   Injured Roster

Players of note

• Yutien Andrada
• Cyrus Baguio
• Mac Baracael
• Ronjay Buenafe
• Mark Borboran
• Rodney Brondial
• Prince Caperal
• Jeff Chan
• Mark Cruz
• Simon Enciso
• James Forrester
• Jeric Fortuna
• RR Garcia
• Marvin Hayes
• JC Intal
• Jens Knuttel
• Chico Lanete
• Michael Miranda
• Emman Monfort
• Mick Pennisi
• Paul Sorongon
• Norbert Torres
• Josh Urbiztondo
• John Wilson
• Willy Wilson
• Jonathan Uyloan

Imports

•    Richard Howell
•   Kenny Adeleke
•   Lee Kwan Hee
•   Eugene Phelps
•   Kevinn Pinkney
•   Marcus Simmons
•   Brandon Brown

Front Office

Coaches

 

Topex Robinson and the Fuel Masters during a timeout.

Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters Head Coaches

#	Name	Start	End	Regular Season				Playoffs				Best Finish	Achievements
				GC	W	L	Win%	GC	W	L	Win%
1	Koy Banal	2016	2016	11	3	8	.273	0	0	0	–	N/A	N/A
2	Ariel Vanguardia	2016	2017	44	17	27	.386	5	1	4	.200	Quarterfinals	Quarterfinals
3	Louie Alas	2017	2020	66	33	33	.500	7	1	6	.857	Semifinals	Semifinals
4	Topex Robinson	2020	present				–				–

Assistant Coaches	Team Manager	Board Governor	Alternate Governor
Topex Robinson (2017 – present) Nic Belasco (2016 – present) Caesar Polhen (2017 – present) Will Voigt (2017 – present)	Paolo Bugia (2016 – present)	Dennis Ang Uy (2016 – present)	Raymond T. Zorrilla (2016 – present)

Season-by-season records

Main article: List of Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters seasons

Records from the 2022–23 PBA season:

Conf.	Team name	Elimination round				Playoffs
		Finish	W	L	PCT	Stage	Results
PHI	Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters	11th/12	3	8	.273	Did not qualify
COM		7th/13	6	6	.500	Quarterfinals	Magnolia** 102, Phoenix 95
GOV		TBD	TBD	TBD	–	TBD	TBD
Total elimination round			9	14	.391	0 Semifinals appearance
Total playoffs			0	1	.000	0 Finals appearance
Total 2022–23			9	15	.375	0 Championships
Total franchise			86	115	.428	0 Championships

*one-game playoff
**team had the twice-to-beat advantage

See also

• Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters draft history

References

1. Beltran, Nelson (March 22, 2011). "Barako Bull opts to leave PBA". Philippine Star. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
2. Phoenix needs PBA board's approval for purchase of Barako, GMA News Online, March 1, 2011
3. most-but-not-quite-no-phoenix-petroleum-in-pro-league-for-now Al most, but not quite: No Phoenix Petroleum in pro league — for now, Rey Joble, GMA News Online, March 29, 2011
4. Phoenix Petroleum’s PBA entry a big concern for San Miguel, Rey Joble, GMA News Online, March 14, 2011
5. Beltran, Nelson (July 9, 2011). "Board okays Lina takeover of Barako, TV5 pact". Philippine Star. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
6. Beltran, Nelson (July 16, 2011). "Kings to ship Miller to Express for Canaleta". Philippine Star. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
7. NLEX reaches deal to acquire Air 21 franchise, awaits league approval June 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, Rey Joble, InterAksyon.com, June 23, 2014
8. PBA approval of Air21's sale to NLEX clears way for Joseph Yeo trade to Ginebra for draft pick, Snow Badua, spin.ph, June 26, 2014
9. Beltran, Nelson (January 19, 2016). "Barako Bull, Phoenix agree on sale of PBA franchise". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
10. PBA Board OKs sale of Barako Bull, PBA.inquirer.net, January 20, 2016
11. Bracher, Jane (February 10, 2016). "Phoenix to fuel PBA". Rappler.com. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
12. Saberon-Ablayan, Marianne (January 23, 2016). "Phoenix, formerly Barako Bull, thrilled with new PBA beginning". Sun.Star. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
13. Beltran, Nelson (February 18, 2016). "Fuel Masters smother Warriors in big debut". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
14. Terrado, Reuben (May 31, 2016). "Ariel Vanguardia replaces Koy Banal as Phoenix coach to kick off PBA team's facelift". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved May 31, 2016.