Phoenix turns the page as Willy Wilson’s one-conference run comes to an end

Change has come swiftly for the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

Willy Wilson’s tenure as head coach ended as quickly as it began, with the former PBA standout not renewed following Phoenix’s 2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup campaign, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. What was envisioned as a new chapter instead became a brief stopover—one conference that served more as an evaluation period than a long-term partnership.

A team insider shared that Phoenix management is still in the process of assessing the rest of the coaching staff, signaling that the changes may not stop with Wilson’s departure.

Wilson was appointed head coach during the offseason, taking over from Jamike Jarin, who transitioned into the role of team consultant. 

The move was meant to inject a different voice and perspective into the Fuel Masters’ program, with Wilson bringing both professional playing experience and years of coaching exposure to the bench.

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Phoenix letting go of Willy Wilson after just a conference is quite surprising but if Charles Tiu will be his replacement then there’s really nothing to complain about.

Sga should just buy the team outright. There are zero reasons for them to not have their own PBA franchise.

— PBA insider (@PBAinsider) January 12, 2026

In his lone conference at the helm, Phoenix struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 3–8 record and placing 10th overall. While the results fell short, Wilson’s time with the team coincided with a period of adjustment, as the Fuel Masters continued to search for a stable identity amid roster and system changes.

Before joining Phoenix, Wilson quietly built a solid coaching résumé in the local basketball scene. A former PBA pro himself, he paid his dues in the collegiate and developmental ranks, earning respect as a detail-oriented coach known for emphasizing fundamentals, player accountability, and defensive discipline. 

His background made him an intriguing choice for a Phoenix squad aiming to develop talent while remaining competitive.

Now, the Fuel Masters appear set to pivot again.

Sources indicate that Phoenix is turning its attention to the collegiate ranks in search of its next head coach, a move that suggests the franchise is prioritizing long-term program building and player development.

The Fuel Masters are scheduled to open their year with their first team practice on January 19, a date that could also mark the start of another transition phase. With the season approaching, Phoenix faces familiar questions—about leadership, direction, and stability—as it once again reshapes its coaching blueprint.

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