Phoenix Fuel Masters insider signals massive team shakeup 

A major transformation appears to be on the horizon for the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters. Sources close to the team say a sweeping roster and management shakeup is imminent, just after Charles Tiu was officially named head coach.Six players, led by James Kwekuteye and veteran RJ Jazul, are reportedly set to be released into unrestricted free agency, signaling a bold reset for the struggling PBA franchise.

Joining Jazul and Kwekuteye on the expected free agent list are Jayjay Alejandro, Yousef Taha, Sean Manganti, and RR Garcia. The six have allegedly been removed from team group chats and instructed not to report for practice, which was rescheduled to Wednesday following delays in announcing Tiu’s designation.

“Dinelay nila yung announcement. Ewan ko bakit. Pero dapat kahapon pa yan. Dapat nga Friday pa nila gagawin ang announcement para lumamig ‘yung nag-leak na info sa inyo,” said a source familiar with the situation.

The shakeup coincides with ownership and management changes. The team is now backed by Davao businessman Glenn Escandor, father of Phoenix guard Francis Escandor, while the previous management group steps into a more passive role. 

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NEW PHOENIX HEAD COACH

Charles Tiu is returning to the PBA, this time as head coach for the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters.

Tiu takes over the reins from Willy Wilson, who led the team in the PBA 50 Philippine Cup. | via @PaigeJavier

(: Facebook/Phoenix Super LPG… pic.twitter.com/MBAw7R50Lw

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) January 20, 2026

Sources added that Phoenix is also exploring trades involving Ricci Rivero, Jason Perkins, Tyler Tio, and Ken Tuffin, as well as negotiations for rookie draft picks Joshua David and CJ Austria from Rain or Shine and Titan Ultra. Filipino-Italian guard JC Cullar is also expected to rejoin the team as a free agent.

The Fuel Masters, who joined the PBA in 2016 by acquiring the Barako Bull franchise, have struggled in recent seasons. Despite reaching the semifinals of the 2023–24 Commissioner’s Cup under Jamike Jarin, Phoenix has not made the playoffs since and finished 3–8 in its lone conference under former coach Willy Wilson.

With Tiu now at the helm, insiders say the franchise is looking to reset its course entirely — a bold signal that Phoenix is not just changing coaches, but aiming to redefine the team’s future.

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