IT’S always nice to welcome a new face with a refreshing manner and outlook into the Philippine Basketball Association, which is coming off a hugely successful Philippine Cup under the stewardship of Commissioner Chito Narvasa.
The innovative stickler for the rules that govern the competition and the conduct of players and officials alike, Chito was clearly blessed by a record breaking performance by San Miguel Beer, which came back from a 0-3 deficit to win four straight games in a row and record a spectacular championship victory in an epic battle that will be enshrined in the history books of Asia’s premier professional basketball league.
PBA newcomer Phoenix Petroleum had waited for a few years to see what CEO Dennis Uy said was the fulfillment of a dream for the company and for him personally “as a basketball enthusiast to be a part of this prestigious league.”
The very pleasant and youthful CEO correctly pointed out that “Filipinos live and breathe basketball and it is with much excitement and aspirations that we enter the PBA.”
Dennis Uy’s message at a well-attended press conference at the Novotel Hotel inside the Araneta Coliseum complex was simple and sincere.
He noted that just like they built the Phoenix organization from a small enterprise into the No.1 independent oil company today, “we will also build the Phoenix Fuel Masters into a competitive and winning team.”
He, however, conceded that this will take time as “building any championship team does. But we are ready and committed to do our best for the team, our supporters and the PBA fans.”
Phoenix Petroleum has always been an active supporter of sports and the company’s entry into the PBA is regarded as “a milestone in the company.”
Uy made it clear that they believe in the success of the PBA and he considers it and an honor and a privilege to be a part of the sports culture in our country.
The key words were “passion and performance,” and if the Phoenix Fuel Masters can perform as well as their gasoline products, then the team should do very well.
PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa in welcoming the entry of Phoenix Fuel Masters said he was “very happy and very proud to welcome the newest member of the PBA family,” commending them for being very patient in pursuing their dream of being accepted as a PBA member after they acquired the Barako Bull franchise.
Having seen the way Barako Bull played in the last conference, Commissioner Narvasa enjoined the team “have fun and show us what you’ve got,” which is something we, as PBA fans, will look forward to especially since they have in their ranks three exciting players from Ginebra San Miguel, who have been playing better than ever since they were traded —the super athletic JC Intal, the tough and level-headed Willie Wilson and shooting star Josh Urbiztondo.
With the addition of 6’9” Nigerian import Kenny Asdelke, who had short stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma Thunder and is determined to prove his worth by “playing hard and getting things done” and is a boxing fan who considers eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao “one of the best boxers in the world,” they may get something going.
Welcome to the PBA and the best of luck to CEO Dennis Uy and his Phoenix Fuel Masters.