Phoenix’s Jason Perkins ruled out of Commissioner’s Cup after knee surgery

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Phoenix Fuel Masters’ superstar power forward Jason Perkins will not see action in the upcoming 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup after receiving a season-ending knee surgery last Thursday.

It was Phoenix’s head coach Topex Robinson who confirmed the development with only two weeks remaining until the import-laced conference kicks off.

Perkins’ absence will leave a huge hole in the Fuel Masters’ frontcourt as the strong and physical scoring big man averaged 16.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.8 steals during the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup.

Coming off a disappointing season after failing to clinch a playoff seat during the PHL Cup, the Fuel Masters are preparing for an unpredictable conference as their era without main gunner Matthew Wright formally begins.

Wright previously announced that he is set to showcase his talents in the Japan B. League and just signed a contract with basketball club Kyoto Hannaryz.

The former fourth overall pick during the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft is expected to play immediately for Kyoto in the upcoming 2022-2023 B. League season.

Without Wright and Perkins, the Fuel Masters will be banking on their young talent led by Javee Mocon, Tyler Tio, Encho Serrano, and Sean Manganti.

Holdover veterans who are still present since Phoenix’s past playoffs trips are RJ Jazul, RR Garcia, Sean Anthony, and Larry Muyang.

Recently, the Fuel Masters engaged in a trade package sending point guard Aljun Melecio and center Kris Porter to the Converge FiberXers in exchange for shooting guard Kurt Lojera and big man Ben Adamos.