THOUGH down 1-2 as of Friday, the Phoenix Fuel Masters targets a semifinals berth in the ongoing 2017 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Doug Kramer, in an interview with VoxPop Davao at the sidelines of the Phoenix Fuel Masters Basketball Camp at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center (DCRC) late Friday afternoon, said: "First things first, gusto muna naming maka playoffs and eventually make the semis. One game at a time muna. Playoffs is our initial goal."
He said their last two games were not good as they have to adjust to their new import Jameel McKay.
"Naninibago pa kami dahil may bago pa kaming import so ‘yung chemistry, cohesion not 100 percent yet but I think as the league progresses, mag iimprove pa ang game namin," Kramer said, hoping that their import will live up to expectations in rebounding, defense and block shots.
Kramer, however, said he will also do his part in rebounding and defense.
JC Intal, for his part, said that after entering last year's playoffs, they could advance this year.
"Ever since, sa scoring naman talaga ako pero gusto kong makatulong in other aspects. I have to be a vocal leader. In this team, I'm one of the veterans here. I'm one of the kuyas na. Basta magtulong-tulong lang kami, Hindi kayang magpanalo ng isang player ang isang basketball team. It's a collective effort," Intal said. He also hopes that Mckay will be able to get his rhythm soon.
Rafael Joey Jazul said the game against Barangay Ginebra, which was being played as of Saturday at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Gym in Davao City, is important for them.
Jazul said, "It's hard to be down 1-3 as much as possible mag 2-2 para umangat ang standing. Mababa ang confidence level ng team, we need this win. Target is semis kasi. Nakapag quarters na kami so anong next level sa team? We always want to improve."
He also said that they needed to play as a team whether they are up or down in the game.