MANILA – After moving from one team to another, Justin Shawn Chua found a home in Phoenix Fuel Masters and is playing a huge role in their strong start in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Bacolod City native had a good showing in their 95-82 win against Magnolia Hotshots on Sunday when he poured in 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
Chua said he was glad that the Fuel Masters, now with a 5-1 win-loss record, were sustaining wins.
“I think, finally, the team is getting together,” Chua said. “Parang iyong game plan ni coach, nandoon na, nasusunod na. Noong umpisa, nagkakapaan pa. At least ngayon, nandiyan na, nage-gets na namin.”
“We will probably take it one game at a time. Dito nagsimula sa Magnolia. Tough game din ito. Hopefully, tuluy-tuloy iyong momentum namin,” added Chua, who played for Hua Siong College of Iloilo in high school.
Chua, who was averaging 7.2 points and 4.6 rebounds this conference, said he was just “ready” for any role when Phoenix took him in.
“Na-accept ko na kasi iyong role ko dito na reliever of (import) Eugene (Phelps). Iyon lang, minalas na-foul trouble si (Jason Perkins) so nadagdagan iyong minutes ko,” he said.
The center added: “Nagpapasalamat ako kay coach Louie (Alas) dahil binibigyan niya ako ng chance. He gives me freedom sa kung ano iyong gusto ko gawin basta defense lang talaga. Iyon talaga iyong main thing doon, binibigyan niya ako ng chance maglaro.”
“Hopefully oo,” he said when asked if he would stick with Phoenix. “Akala ko Meralco na rin e kasi naka-two years ako doon. That’s the longest I’ve been with one team. So, hopefully this one, ito na talaga.”
Chua has previously played for NorthPort Batang Pier, San Miguel Beermen, Barako Bull Energy, TNT KaTropa, and Meralco Bolts./PN
