By Jonas Terrado
Matthew Wright feels Phoenix Pulse should play as if it has nothing to lose amid injuries and low expectations entering the PBA Philippine Cup.
Phoenix Pulse’s Matthew Wright shoots a three over Blackwater import Marqus Blakely during their PBA game last season. (PBA Images)
“We shouldn’t feel any pressure because I don’t think everybody feels like we gonna do anything, so we need to play with that kind of loose attitude,” Wright said.
The Fuel Masters will head into the season-opening conference trying to deal with the absence of big men Dave Marcelo and new acquisition Jake Pascual.
Marcelo underwent surgery to remove bone spurs on his foot while Pascual, who was traded from Alaska last December, suffered an ACL injury.
Pascual averaged 9.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 33 games with the Aces last season while Marcelo posted 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 37 games for the Fuel Masters.
Phoenix is still playing the waiting game with regards to energetic star Calvin Abueva, who is still serving an indefinite suspension for a pair of misconducts in the early part of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Abueva posted 14.8 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals in 19 games prior to the ban.
Phoenix will also enter the season minus Doug Kramer, who retired after 12 pro seasons. Kramer registered 2.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 37 games.
Phoenix Pulse enters the season minus Jake Pascual, from left, and Dave Marcelo due to injuries. (PBA Images)
For Wright, their absence should urge them to make a conscious effort to work doubly hard on the boards if Phoenix can compete down low.
“That’s a lot of rebounds on the board that are gone right off the bat,” Wright said. “We have to find a way, myself included, to help on the rebounds. I definitely have to aim for seven or eight rebounds per game just to compensate for the lack of rebounds that we have.”
Wright grabbed 4.2 rebounds in 37 games the past campaign, but he was more notable for his scoring average of 18.9 points while also producing 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals.
The national team veteran is expected to raise his numbers even more even as he has been tasked by Phoenix coach Louie Alas to take an active role in terms of leadership.
“I definitely have to become vocal too and that’s something I have to work on because I wasn’t the most vocal guy,” he said. “Sometimes leadership is uncomfortable and you have to call guys out. You really can’t be afraid of awkwardness or being seen as an asshole or anything like that.
“I have a job on the team now and my job is to win games and get the guys better. I’m starting to become comfortable in that role,” added Wright.
Phoenix kicks off the new season on March 11 against TNT KaTropa at the Smart Araneta Coliseum followed by a game opposite NLEX four days later at the same venue.
The Fuel Masters’ other games this month are NorthPort (March 21), Rain or Shine (March 25) and Columbian (March 29).
Source: Manila Bulletin
Xtra Sports ph 