New Phoenix coach Willy Wilson’s priority is to bring the Fuel Masters back into the playoffs

Newly appointed Phoenix Fuel Masters head coach Willy Wilson is determined to steer the franchise back into playoff contention as he begins his first campaign at the helm in the upcoming Season 50 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Phoenix announced Wilson’s promotion last week after long-time mentor Jamike Jarin transitioned into a team consultant role. For the 45-year-old, the first order of business is straightforward: get the Fuel Masters back into the postseason, something they last achieved during the 2023–24 Commissioner’s Cup. Phoenix has only reached the playoffs twice in the past five years.

“First and foremost, we have got to make the playoffs. If we get into the quarterfinals, then anything is possible in my opinion. Making the playoffs will be a huge confidence boost,” Wilson said in an interview on Play By Play.

Wilson began coaching in 2019 after a solid PBA playing career, starting as an assistant before steadily working his way up the ranks. He admitted that being handed the head coaching role came as a surprise.

“When I started this coaching journey, it was just to be the best skills coach I could be. When I became an assistant, the goal was to be the best assistant and make the head coach’s life easier. Management felt I was doing something right, and now I’m here,” Wilson shared.

SPORTS: Former DLSU Green Archer Willy Wilson has been announced as head coach of the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA. The former forward played a role in the Green-and-White’s four-peat in the late 1990s and early 2000s from #UAAPSeason61 to #UAAPSeason64. | via @fuelmasters pic.twitter.com/bGJsWzu6wI

— The LaSallian (@TheLaSallian) August 15, 2025

Wilson emphasized that he will not overhaul Phoenix’s system, instead focusing on continuity while fine-tuning the foundation established under Jarin.

“We are continuing what coach Jamike started. It’s just fine-tuning and mastering what he has already built. We are still working together, but now it’s going to be me standing up,” Wilson explained.

He also highlighted his desire to give the players a stronger sense of responsibility within the squad.

“For me, the number one priority is giving the players ownership of the team. I want to make sure they feel that ownership, that they know we are here to make this valuable for them and help them play for a long time. Just giving them the confidence that this is their team,” he added.

The Fuel Masters are coming off a dismal Season 49, where they failed to qualify for the playoffs in all three conferences and finished with a disappointing 8–25 record.

Wilson’s first test as head coach comes at the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament in Davao City, where Phoenix will battle the NLEX Road Warriors, Converge FiberXers, and Blackwater Bossing. They open their campaign against Blackwater on Thursday, August 21.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.