Charles Tiu sets modest playoff goal as Phoenix prepares for PBA Commissioner’s Cup

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) shifts its spotlight to the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup beginning March 11, with TNT Tropang Giga returning as the defending champions and early favorites to repeat. As the league’s mid-season conference approaches, storylines are beginning to take shape — and one of the most intriguing narratives centers on the rebuilding bid of the Phoenix Fuel Masters under new head coach Charles Tiu.

After missing the playoffs in five consecutive conferences, Phoenix enters the tournament with renewed optimism and a fresh voice at the helm. Tiu, who will be handling his first conference with the franchise, understands both the urgency and the patience required in turning the team into a contender.

His objectives are grounded, but clear.

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“The modest goal would be to make the playoffs first. They haven’t made the playoffs in five conferences. So that’s the first step, kahit maka-quarters muna. Then let’s see. We will build by then,” Tiu said in a media interaction.

For a franchise eager to regain relevance, simply breaking into the quarterfinals would mark meaningful progress. Yet Tiu is not shying away from bigger aspirations — he is simply choosing a methodical path toward them.

Charles Tiu’s modest goal is to lead Phoenix back to PBA playoffs / by @reubensports

New Phoenix coach seeing a lot of positives in his first few weeks with the team #PBA50LIDhttps://t.co/9Ob2m4at4N

— SPIN.ph (@spinph) February 22, 2026

“Siyempre, our dream is to win a championship. Any coach would want that. But I think we have to start building slowly, make the quarters, and maybe make the semis. But that would be the first goal, to try to make the playoffs,” he added.

Phoenix will lean on a youthful core as it attempts to snap its postseason drought. Among the key figures is forward Jason Perkins, one of the few remaining players from the Fuel Masters squad that last reached the playoffs during the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup. That campaign saw Phoenix make a spirited run to the semifinals behind the reinforcement of import Johnathan Williams — a benchmark the current roster hopes to replicate or surpass.

While the team remains a work in progress, Tiu has expressed confidence in the talent and experience within his lineup. Despite the youth movement, he believes the group possesses enough maturity and coaching foundation to adapt to his system.

“To me, a lot of these guys are experienced. They also came from good coaches. So it’s just about playing the way that I want and playing the right way for us. I’m enjoying the team so far, to be honest. I like the way we have been practicing, we have been playing. Pero so far, I think the team is gelling well. Obviously, it’s just a preseason so it’s too early to tell. A lot of positives for me. Hopefully, we can continue to build in the season,” Tiu concluded.

Training camp has reportedly been competitive and detail-oriented, with emphasis on defensive discipline and ball movement — hallmarks of Tiu’s coaching philosophy. The early returns have been encouraging, but as the first tip-off approaches, the real test will come against battle-tested PBA opponents.

For Phoenix, the mission is straightforward: take the first step back into contention. In a conference where expectations range from title defenses to rebuilds, the Fuel Masters are positioning themselves somewhere in between — not yet contenders, but no longer content with simply participating.

With a new coach, a developing core, and a clearly defined short-term goal, Phoenix enters the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup determined to turn incremental growth into tangible results. Whether that translates into a long-awaited playoff return will unfold beginning March 11.

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