Phoenix import nears redemption

Import Du'Vaughn Maxwell is close to fulfilling redemption after powering Phoenix Super LPG to a three-game winning streak in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors' Cup.

Maxwell said he has unfinished business in the PBA and leading the Fuel Masters to a three-game winning run, the longest under new coach Jamike Jarin, gives him a chance to redeem himself.

"I get a full taste of the PBA," said Maxwell following their 114-106 triumph over Rain or Shine last Wednesday that improved their standing to 4-5.

"I get to know the players, the competition, just the full taste of the league. I cannot say success because we still have a full conference ahead, but at least I gave us in a much better position to contend for the playoffs."

Despite playing only four games as a replacement for Paul Harris and Dominic Sutton last season, Maxwell still averaged 27.5 points on a steady 63 percent shooting from the field while pulling down 13.8 rebounds with 1.5 assists and a block.

This season, Maxwell has been doing more outside of scoring, averaging 21.7 points on a 57.1 percent shooting from the field, but still comes up with 13.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.8 steals and a tournament-best 3.3 blocks per game.

Although he is now playing alongside younger players who had taken the cudgels following the departure of the team's previous franchise player, Matthew Wright, Maxwell likes the potential of the team.

"I like the potential of this team. The best thing about it, I'm 31 years old who can play alongside Encho (Serrano), Tyler Tio and the other young guys," he added.

"They're the future of the PBA. These guys are the tomorrow of the PBA."

"No offense to Ginebra, San Miguel, TNT and Meralco, but these are younger guys (from Phoenix) and they're the future."