PHOENIX’S life in the PBA Philippine Cup ended last week but the Fuel Masters refused to dwell on their fate, especially after a comrade lost a dearly loved one.
“We got off to a good start. We moved the ball really well, that’s why we were able to win this game. I’m just happy that we got a win after a four-game losing streak,” Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin said after his charges pulled off a 118-107 victory over fellow eliminated team NorthPort last Wednesday night. “We’re happy that we got a win and we’ll just like what we always say, the most important game is the next game. We will continue to get better.”
“We’re all professionals here. Before tonight, we still had two games. So, we’re all professionals. Like what I said a while ago, the most important game is the next game. We will continue to work hard and improve,” he added.
Then Jarin’s tone—and the mood inside the press room of the PhilSports Arena in Pasig changed from joyful to a tinge of sadness.
“Also, condolences to the family of JC Cullar. His dad passed away last Saturday. So, let’s just give a prayer for the Cullar family. He played tonight while we dedicated the game to him, to his family, and the soul of his father,” Jarin said, referring to his rookie playmaker who only signed up with the Fuel Masters last month.
“We feel for the (Cullar) family. It’s hard. Being in the profession nga, I’m sure he wanted to be with his family, but he said he wanted to be with his family also here and I’m sure his dad wanted him to play so he played.
“You have to give a shout out to him, that’s hard. I bet it’s hard but our hearts go to the Cullar family.”
The 5-foot-10 Cullar, a Fil-Italian who played for the University of the East in the UAAP before finishing his collegiate stint with College of St. Benilde in the NCAA, boomed in all four free throws and issued four assists in only 7:24 of action.
Jason Perkins showed the way for Phoenix with 26 points, eight rebounds, and four dimes while Kai Ballungay added a near double-double of 17 markers and nine boards.
Kenneth Tuffin, Ricci Rivero, and RJ Jazul also had 14, 14, and 10 points, respectively as the Fuel Masters notched their third win in 10 outings that also spoiled the debut of Calvin Abueva for the Batang Pier.
Cullar and his teammates are not Phoenix—they are angels, who despite their wings being clipped, continue to fight.
Listen to Jarin.
“The first thing that I told him (was) be with your family tapos sabi ko kasi they’re from Italy. I said, go and get the fastest flight to be with your family and he said, I have an obligation to my family also here, to my Phoenix family and he said, my dad would love to see me play,” Jarin said. “So, he got the earliest flight after our game. Talagang I just salute him for that. I don’t know.
“If I was in his position, I wouldn’t even be able to move siguro, pero you have to give a lot of credit, a lot of heart to JC. I’m sure as soon as he leaves the arena, he’s going straight to the airport.”
