Tuffin makes strong impact

Ken Tuffin may still be a rookie, but he is already making a strong impact for Phoenix Super LPG in the Commissioner's Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association.

Fuel Masters head coach Jamike Jarin said he is very satisfied at how the 6-foot-4 Tuffin has been performing in the early stretch of the season-opening conference.

"Right before we picked him in the draft, we already talked to him that no matter what, if he will be available at No. 6, we are going to pick him," Jarin told Daily Tribune in an interview.

"With what we saw during his workout with us, we knew that he's going to be an impact player."

It didn't take long for the Filipino-Kiwi stalwart to make his presence felt.

Tuffin was at the helm as Phoenix picked up four straight wins capped by an impressive 82-77 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Saturday at the FPJ Arena in San Juan, Batangas.

He knocked down four three-pointers to essay 18 points while playing tough defense against the imposing Ginebra frontcourt featuring Christian Standhardinger, Japeth Aguilar and import Tony Bishop.

Jarin said Tuffin's versatility was truly impressive.

"I don't know if you noticed, but Tuffin has been playing multiple positions. There was a time when we converted him to play as point guard and he can play 1,2, 3 and 4," Jarin said.