PHOENIX Super LPG coach Topex Robinson is bracing his team for the possible loss of a very vital cog.
“Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst,” Robinson told Malaya-Business Insight, referring to the decision Chris Banchero would make regarding his impending free agency at the end of this month.
There’s little else Phoenix could do.
Banchero was among those tabbed (fifth overall) during the 2014 PBA rookie draft and is covered by the rule that states those who have played at least seven seasons and have expiring contracts automatically become unrestricted free agents.
Others in that batch, headlined by Stanley Pringle and Kevin Alas, have already re-signed with their old teams or, as in the case of John Pinto and Rodney Brondial, found new homes.
Robinson said management has already given Banchero an offer, but losing the Fil-Italian guard acquired from Magnolia for Calvin Abueva last year remains a distinct possibility.
It would be quite a loss, considering Banchero leads Phoenix in scoring with 18 points per game, on 55 percent field goal shooting, to go with 3.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.4 steals and undeniably a major factor why the Fuel Masters have a 3-2 record in the mothballed Governors Cup.
“CB (Banchero) is our top guy in terms of consistency this conference. He’s the one who’s been most consistent for us the past five games,” noted Robinson, adding he would not try and influence Banchero’s decision.
“At the end of the day, sinabi ko rin ito kay Chris, ‘I don’t want to weigh in sa decision mo.
Kasi we’re talking about your career. So hindi kita sasabihan ng ganito, hindi kita papangakuan ng ganito. You’re old enough to make the right decision.
“I leave it up to him, kung anuman maging decision niya I will respect it. Siyempre, meron lang tayong certain things na kaya nating kontrolin. Beyond that, kanya na iyon.”
The fact that Banchero has been taking his time since management started negotiations is a good sign for Robinson.
“I think management did their part to offer him something para pag-isipan niya rin. Hindi naman kami, ‘Bahala ka. Take it or leave it.’ Hindi naman ganoon. Management took into account the value of CB. We want to give him what he’s worth,” explained Robinson.
“Obviously, hindi lang sarili niya iniisip niya, pamilya niya rin. So whatever maging decision niya we will respect it naman.”
Robinson is also not one to lose too much sleep or expend too much energy on the concern, which may prove unfounded in the end.
“We’re still not giving up hope na he’s gonna stay with us. I think we gave him a good reason to think hard about his decision,” said Robinson. “The fact na matagal na din siya bago mag-decide means he’s weighing it really hard.”
