Vanguardia post secure at Phoenix

Phoenix Fuel Masters governor Raymond Zorrilla brushes off talks Coach Ariel Vanguardia is on his way out in favor of either multi-titled mentor Jong Uichico or Lyceum coach Topex Robinson, who is on the staff of Alaska’s Alex Compton.

Phoenix Fuel coach Ariel Vanguardia still enjoys the trust and confidence of management despite the team’s struggle in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

Lawyer Raymond Zorrilla, Phoenix Fuel representative to the PBA Board of Governors, made the clarification yesterday as rumors swirled that Vanguardia is on his way out after the Fuel Masters were eliminated in the season-ending conference.

“I don’t know where this news is coming, but coach Ariel will continue to be our coach,” said Zorrilla, adding that Vanguardia has an existing two-year contract.

Some of the names mentioned by sources include multi-titled coach Jong Uichico and Lyceum mentor Topex Robinson, a member of Alaska Aces coach Alex Compton’s coaching staff.

Phoenix won its first two games to jump-start its Governors’ Cup campaign.

However, despite the return of Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Matthew Wright, Vanguardia’s squad dropped the next nine games to miss the playoffs.

Phoenix Fuel made the playoffs during the first two conferences, but was ousted twice in the quarterfinal round, losing to Star in a best-ofthree series (2-0) during the Philippine Cup, and to twice-to-beat and eventual champion San Miguel Beer during the Commissioner’s Cup.

After helping the Westports Malaysia Dragons to the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) title in 2016, Vanguardia was appointed as coach of Phoenix prior to the 2017-18 PBA Season, replacing Koy Banal.