Known for being a defensive-minded coach, Phoenix newly appointed head coach Louie Alas is ready to turn the Fuel Masters to a defense-oriented team in the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 43. In Sunday’s rookie draft, Alas chose former De La Salle University big man Jason Perkins as the Fuel Masters’ fourth overall pick and former Emilio Aguinaldo College standout Sydney Onwubere as eighth pick in the first round. Onwubere, according to Alas, was dealt to TNT for 11th pick Jon Jon Gabriel. Alas also picked up Jayson Grimaldo, Wilson Baltazar, Dan Sara and JK Casino in the rookie draft, but all these rookies will still be evaluated at the start of their practice on Monday. Alas is hoping to send Phoenix to its first semifinals in the upcoming Season 43 Philippine Cup.

Source: Manila Times October 31, 2017 14:48 UTC