PBA: Phoenix parades ‘system guy’ BJ Johnson for Governors’ Cup

FILE–Former NBA player B.J. Johnson is the Phoenix Fuel Masters’ import for the PBA Governors’ Cup. –Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix believes it has found the right fit for the upcoming PBA Governors’ Cup, and coach Charles Tiu is eager to see it all come together.

B.J. Johnson’s ability to be a “system guy” is one of the biggest reasons Tiu is excited for the import-laden conference.

“I think he fits well with our team. He’s a system guy. He’s played in Europe and [he’s] a really good shooter,” Tiu told the Inquirer on Saturday.

“He’s a wing, which is a bit of a challenge for us but we wanted a guy who can score because we didn’t want to be too dependent on our locals. We figured to try something different with a guy who can score and shoot the lights out. Hopefully, it pans out for us.”

Johnson will bolster a Fuel Masters squad that reached the quarterfinals of the previous conference.

The 30-year-old sniper formerly played for Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Orlando Magic in the NBA before taking his act to Spain and Russia.

His experience has already allowed him to emerge as a vocal leader for Phoenix, Tiu said.

“He’s been solid. He communicates well with the guys. He’s been good, we have no complaints with him, he really works hard and he’s a professional.”

The Fuel Masters open their Governors’ Cup campaign on Saturday against Magnolia at Ynares Sports Center in Montalban, Rizal.