In a game of runs between the Phoenix Fuel Masters and Blackwater Bossing, one player expected to step up for Charles Tiu’s squad—new acquisition Gian Mamuyac—couldn’t do so.
Mamuyac, considered one of the best two‑way guards in the PBA, finished with just 4 points, 1 rebound, and 4 assists, though he did have 4 steals—a specialty of his. But that certainly wasn’t enough for Phoenix to avert a 106-100 loss to Blackwater.
Then again, such struggles might be expected, especially since Mamuyac is still adjusting to his new team. In fact, he bared to Rebanse after the game that he has not yet had a conversation with Tiu regarding his role in Phoenix.
“We haven’t talked about it [Mamuyac’s role]. We’re still figuring things out,” said the former team captain of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. “Ako, ang dami ko pang kulang. Nawawala pa ako. So, hopefully sa mga next game and practices maka‑catch up na rin ako.”
Mamuyac Is Okay With Any Role
Since joining the Fuel Masters, Mamuyac has come off the bench, taking on the role of the team’s sixth man. Should it become his permanent role, the 27‑year‑old guard is perfectly fine with it.
“Okay lang naman kahit anong role for me,” he stressed. “I’m willing to do it para lang manalo. I trust in everyone naman. I trust in the coaches. I trust all of them, so sana lang makabawi kami.”
In four games with the Phoenix franchise, Mamuyac is averaging 9.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
Those are decent numbers—and yet fans know the fifth overall pick in the 2022 PBA Draft can still do so much more for the Fuel Masters, that is, if he’s fully adjusted and settled in already.
Mamuyac will have little time to work on those adjustments, as he and the Fuel Masters will be playing again on Sunday when they take on Rain or Shine at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
