Willy Wilson seeks added size for Phoenix roster ahead of PBA 2025 season

Newly appointed Phoenix Fuel Masters head coach Willy Wilson already has a clear vision for his team as he takes the reins: add size to turn the squad into legitimate Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) contenders once again.

Phoenix elevated Wilson to head coach last week after long-time mentor Jamike Jarin moved into a team consultant role. For the 45-year-old Wilson, the path forward is straightforward.

“We just need to add more height to the team so that we can compete at that level,” Wilson said in an interview on Play By Play. “Obviously, we are not going to get someone like June Mar Fajardo, but if we can find somebody who can at least make him work defensively, that would be a welcome addition for us.”

The Fuel Masters are coming off a disappointing Season 49 campaign, where they missed the playoffs in all three conferences and finished with an 8-25 record. The silver lining: Phoenix now holds a valuable high pick in the upcoming PBA Draft, projected to be within the top five.

Last year, the team selected forward Kai Ballungay and is expected to pursue a similar strategy of adding size and versatility.

Phoenix is heading to Davao to participate in the 40th Kadayawan Invitational Tournament, where newly appointed head coach Willy Wilson gets a chance to face his first challenge with the Fuel Masters ahead of the PBA’s 50th season.

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— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 20, 2025

“We have a good combination of players,” Wilson said. “It’s just about them working together and learning how to win consistently.”

Wilson, who enjoyed a steady PBA playing career before retiring in 2019, transitioned into coaching as an assistant before gradually climbing the ranks. Despite his promotion, he emphasized that Phoenix will not undergo sweeping changes in its system.

Instead, he plans to build on the foundation laid by Jarin. “Continuity is important. We’ll fine-tune what’s already in place rather than overhaul everything,” Wilson explained.

Wilson’s first challenge as head coach will come in the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament in Davao City, where Phoenix will face the NLEX Road Warriors, Converge FiberXers, and Blackwater Bossing. The Fuel Masters open their campaign against Blackwater on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

For Wilson and the Fuel Masters, the tournament offers not just an early test, but also a chance to set the tone for a season that Phoenix hopes will mark its return to PBA relevance.

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