Phoenix taps Wilson as head coach

MANILA, Philippines — After Magnolia, it’s the turn of Phoenix to make a head coaching change ahead of the PBA’s Season 50 wars.

The Fuel Masters promoted assistant coach Willy Wilson to the top post in place of Jamike Jarin, his old boss. Jarin, who served for three years, was designated team consultant moving forward.

“Management believes that coach Willy will be a good fit for the team as it continues to pursue more success in Season 50,” the Fuel Masters said in a statement yesterday.

Wilson can be considered a “Phoenix baby,” having spent his last three of his 14-year playing career with the franchise from 2016 through 2018 and then joining the team’s coaching staff in 2020.

“His experience both as a PBA player and coach will be an instrumental tool as he steers the best out of the Fuel Masters in the coming season,” the ballclub said.

The Fuel Masters missed the playoffs of the last four conferences dating back to the Season 48 Philippine Cup – a letdown following their semifinal stint in the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup.

Wilson is the second mentor set for his debut in the pro league’s golden season in October after LA Tenorio, who replaced Chito Victolero over at the Hotshots camp recently.