Fuel Masters shocked by Serrano’s departure

WHILE Phoenix management and coaching staff were puzzled by young guard Encho Serrano’s move to decline the team’s two-year contract extension offer and “opting to play elsewhere,” interim coach Jamike Jarin expects the Fuel Masters to have the “next-man-up” mentality.

On Tuesday, Phoenix team manager Paolo Bugia admitted that the highscoring Serrano chose not to re-sign with the team despite getting a twoyear extension offer from management.

“I’m not sure [why Serrano declined the offer] because we have been very accommodating in our negotiations. For reasons not entirely clear to us, he opted to play elsewhere,” Bugia told The Manila Times.

Serrano, the former La Salle gunner, averaged 11.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists, helping Phoenix reach the 2022-2023 Governors’ Cup playoffs, where the team lost to eventual champion TNT in the quarterfinal round.

Jarin said in recent interviews that Serrano, along with another young guard Tyler Tio and forward Javee Mocon, form the team’s core that the Fuel Masters are building on since veteran shooter Matthew Wright left the team last year to play in the Japan B.League.

But with the sudden turn of events, Jarin said he’s now expecting seldom-used JJ Alejandro and Kurt Lojera to step up and fill in the spot vacated by Serrano.

“Both of them are combo guards. JJ can shoot and pass the ball well, while Kurt can create for his teammates and finish well on the break,” Jarin said.

Alejandro hopes to seize this opportunity since bouncing around the pro league after being selected eighth overall in the 2018 PBA Draft by Rain or Shine.

The former National U standout was picked up from free agency by TNT in 2020 before eventually landing at Phoenix last January after being part of a three-team, multiple player deal.

“We all need to step up, but JJ Alejandro and Kurt Lojera should really contribute more,” shared Jarin. “They are wellequipped, and I personally believe they will be great contributors for our team.”

The 28-year-old Alejandro averaged 3.5 points on 27 percent shooting from threepoint range in under 10 minutes of action in the Governors’ Cup last season.

On the other hand, Lojera, an incoming sophomore, averaged 3.1 points and 1.2 rebounds in 10 minutes of play.