NLEX tests newcomer Phoenix

NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez knows Phoenix is the same team that used to be known as Barako Bull.

He just doesn’t have a clear idea on what kind of game the Fuelmasters are set to bring when they debut against his Road Warriors Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

A follow up win by NLEX on its 114-112 overtime win against Barangay Ginebra last Friday could give it a share of the lead, provided Meralco loses to Rain or Shine later in the evening.

But first, Fernandez and the rest of the Road Warriors must solve the mystery Phoenix may bring.

“We haven’t seen how Phoenix plays,” said Fernandez on the eve of the match. “This is their first game and we don’t have any tape on how their import plays.”

That is understandable since Kenny Andeleke has been inactive for most of the past year reportedly due to a knee injury and is just slowly getting back in shape.

“Sa tingin ko mga 80 to 90 percent pa lang siya sa game shape,” related Fuelmasters coach Koy Banal, admitting the Road Warriors, led by high-scoring Al Thornton, should prove to be handful.

“NLEX has a formidable lineup and a very good import. They are taller and heftier than us. They have a lot of different looks with their lineup. We can’t find any edge against them,” said Banal.

“The plan is just to force them to play our style.”

That is precisely what Fernandez would try hard to avoid. “We prepared a plan and we will adjust from there during the game,” said Fernandez, adding he can only expect what Barako used to bring in each game.

“Phoenix is a good and talented team, well-coached at that. We will have our hands full tomorrow but we are ready,” stated Fernandez.

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