Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia has admitted the team is not the same without JC Intal.

Intal, who is one of the Fuel Masters' offensive weapons, has been sidelined due to bone spurs in his right ankle.

They are now trying their best to prepare for the coming PBA Governors’ Cup.

“We really miss his leadership and scoring kasi kailangan din namin ng additional weapon sa loob. We know JC is considered the franchise player, so kailangan talaga namin sya,” said Vanguardia in the PBA website.

They have imports Marcus Simmons and Lee Kwan Hee as reinforcements. Vanguardia said they have been filling up the gap left by Intal.

“They’re both two-way players and gusto ko iyung aggressiveness nila. Parehas silang defensive stopper,” said the Fuel Masters coach.

Phoenix also made a few adjustments with its line-up.

Aside from acquiring Mark Cruz and Simon Enciso, the Fuel Masters also traded away Jonathan Uyloan in exchange for Ronjay Buenafe.

The deal was approved on Tuesday.

Vanguardia said they will be taking it one game at a time in the season-ending conference.

“Tingnan muna namin paano ang magiging takbo ng sistema namin. ‘Di muna kami concerned kung saan ang mararating namin basta game-by-game lang muna.”

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