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Tag: Charles Tiu

  • Charles Tiu urges Phoenix to stay hungry despite 4-1 start in PBA Governors’ Cup

    Charles Tiu urges Phoenix to stay hungry despite 4-1 start in PBA Governors’ Cup

    The Phoenix Fuel Masters have emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup, making an impressive start to the tournament with four victories in their first five outings. Their strong opening run has propelled them to the top of the Group B standings, giving the franchise early momentum in a conference expected to be one of the most competitive in recent years.

     

    Phoenix’s fast start is particularly noteworthy considering the caliber of opposition in Group B, a bracket many observers have labeled the conference’s “Group of Death.” The Fuel Masters are competing alongside perennial title contenders Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Magnolia Hotshots, Meralco Bolts, and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, as well as the improving Blackwater Bossing. With several established championship-caliber teams in the same group, every game carries significant playoff implications.

     

    The Governors’ Cup features a revamped format in which the league’s 13 teams are split into two groups. Teams play a double-round robin against opponents within their respective groups, with only the top four finishers advancing to the quarterfinals. The format places a premium on consistency, leaving little room for prolonged slumps during the elimination round.

     

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    Despite their encouraging position atop the standings, the Fuel Masters are refusing to get carried away. Their only defeat so far came at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, a team that has consistently established itself as one of the league’s toughest playoff squads. Rather than dwelling on their early success, Phoenix has focused on improving with each game as it prepares for the decisive second half of the eliminations.

    Head coach Charles Tiu has been pleased with his team’s competitive mindset but stressed that the Fuel Masters have yet to accomplish anything substantial. For Tiu, the current standings are merely a snapshot, and the real challenge lies in sustaining their level of play against experienced opponents who are expected to mount a strong push in the coming weeks.

     

    “We are in a good position to make the playoffs. Step-by-step, we just take it one game at a time and we try to get as many wins as we can, because we know the other teams are going to catch up,” Tiu said during the postgame press conference.

     

    The first-year Phoenix mentor also acknowledged the quality of the competition awaiting his squad, emphasizing that several of their rivals have built reputations as perennial contenders.

     

    “Ginebra is always gonna be there, for sure. Rain or Shine is always a semifinalist, Meralco na rin. So we are trying to just find a way to sneak in. We are one of the younger teams, so hopefully we can continue to play this way, but I still think we can play better and we have to play better,” he added.

     

    Tiu’s comments reflect the identity Phoenix has embraced throughout the conference. The Fuel Masters have relied on youthful energy, disciplined execution, and collective effort to outperform more experienced opponents. Rather than depending solely on individual brilliance, Phoenix has built its early success on balanced contributions across the roster, consistent defensive intensity, and a willingness to execute its game plan for the full 48 minutes.

     

    While the team’s 4-1 record has placed it in the driver’s seat entering the second round of the eliminations, the Fuel Masters understand that maintaining their position will become increasingly difficult. Every contender in Group B remains within striking distance, and the second round promises even fiercer battles as teams make adjustments and fight for one of the four coveted quarterfinal berths.

     

    Phoenix will look to strengthen its playoff bid when it opens the second round of the eliminations on Wednesday, August 5, against the Blackwater Bossing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. A victory would not only reinforce the Fuel Masters’ hold on first place but also move them another step closer to securing a return to the postseason in one of the PBA’s most challenging conferences in recent memory.

     

     

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  • Charles Tiu backs Francis Escandor amid backlash from fans 

    Charles Tiu backs Francis Escandor amid backlash from fans 

    In a league where minutes often invite scrutiny, opportunity can quickly turn into a spotlight.

     

    For Francis Escandor, increased playing time with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters hasn’t just meant more responsibility—it has also come with questions from the outside.

     

    But inside the team, the view is far more grounded.

     

    Head coach Charles Tiu has made it clear that Escandor’s role isn’t about circumstance—it’s about trust. And that trust, he says, is rooted in familiarity and belief in what the player brings beyond the box score.

     

    “I think Francis is a solid PBA player,” Tiu said. “He’s been riding the bench the last couple of seasons sa Rain or Shine. Only now siya nakakalaro. But I had a chance to coach him before, I know what he can do. He is really a good shooter and a good defender. He played for me sa SGA.”

     

    For Tiu, the current rotation isn’t built on perception—it’s built on need and reliability.

     

    With injuries affecting the lineup, including Kai Ballungay, Phoenix has had to lean on depth. And in those moments, Escandor has become one of the pieces the coaching staff turns to—not necessarily for numbers, but for stability.

     

    “For me, it’s about giving guys trust, giving them confidence. Kai (Ballungay) has been hurt anyway. We are a bit short with our players,” he said.

     

    That trust was evident in Escandor’s extended minutes in a recent outing, where he logged over 27 minutes. The stat line—two points, five rebounds, one steal—didn’t jump off the page. But for Tiu, impact isn’t always measured that way.

     

    “(Against Rain or Shine), he played great, he ended up playing 27 minutes, but he was solid defensively. You won’t see much mistakes from him. Would have made a big three also. Ako, I need guys like that. Guys I trust that can follow what we want and are smart players. Bilib naman ako kay Francis,” he said.

     

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    Still, the outside noise hasn’t gone unnoticed.

     

     

    Reports and assumptions have fueled criticism toward Escandor, but Tiu believes the narrative has overlooked something more important—the work being done away from the spotlight.

     

    “Sometimes, it’s unfair. Actually, I feel bad for Francis. I don’t think he deserves any of it. He just really wants to play basketball. I hope they can just lay off him and let the guy just enjoy. We play basketball. We love the game. They are pros.”

     

    “I’m sure it’s very hard for him. Pero kahit papaano, grabe rin bilib ko sa kanya kasi hindi siya nagpapadala. Trabaho lang siya everyday. He really puts in the work. He trains every morning at 5 a.m. No excuses yun.”

     

    For Tiu, that consistency matters more than any narrative.

     

    “To him, he is just one of the guys. Yun ang maganda. No matter what, he is just another player and another teammate. And that’s what I appreciate kay Francis.”

     

    In a team searching for cohesion amid challenges, that mindset might be just as valuable as any stat line.

     

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  • Charles Tiu happy with rookie’s Will Gozum’s progress in Phoenix blowout win over Titan Ultra

    Charles Tiu happy with rookie’s Will Gozum’s progress in Phoenix blowout win over Titan Ultra

    The Phoenix Fuel Masters continued their impressive start to the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup campaign, improving to a perfect record after securing a dominant 109–76 victory over the Titan Ultra Giant Risers on Sunday, March 16 at the Ynares Center.

     

    Phoenix showcased a balanced offensive performance and suffocating defense to pull away comfortably, maintaining control of the game from the second quarter onward. The Fuel Masters’ depth was on full display as multiple players stepped up to contribute, allowing the team to maintain its momentum and energy throughout the contest.

     

    Among those who capitalized on the opportunity was rookie forward Will Gozum, who delivered a productive stint off the bench. In 14 minutes of action, Gozum tallied seven points, two assists, and one rebound, providing a spark for the Fuel Masters during a key stretch of the game. The performance was particularly notable considering that Gozum did not see the floor in Phoenix’s opening victory over the Magnolia Hotshots earlier in the tournament.

     

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    With the team already boasting a competitive rotation on the wings, opportunities have been limited for the rookie. However, circumstances opened the door in this matchup after veteran forward Jason Perkins was dealing with Achilles discomfort, prompting head coach Charles Tiu to give Gozum a chance to prove himself.

    Following the game, Tiu explained the decision during the postgame press conference while also acknowledging the challenges Gozum faces in carving out consistent minutes in a crowded lineup.

     

    “With Perkins being questionable, sabi ko sige, we will give him a chance. I told Will from the start, it’s tough kasi here in the PBA, he is playing the wings, and I got guys like Ricci Rivero, Kenneth Tuffin. Even si Kai Ballungay, he plays in the wings. So it’s going to be tough for him to get that minutes,” Tiu said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    The Phoenix coach also noted that Gozum’s development has been gradual since joining the squad, pointing out that the rookie initially needed time to adjust to the pace and demands of the professional game. Despite the early challenges, Tiu expressed satisfaction with the progress he has seen from the young forward in recent weeks.

     

    “Lately, he has been better. Nung unang dating niya sa team to be honest, he really looks rusty, and he really looks out of it. But still he is trying to pick up. I’m happy he was able to contribute and score a little bit today. This guy works hard and kami, we want to give everybody a chance here to play,” he added.

     

    While Gozum’s role moving forward remains uncertain, his performance against the Titan Ultra Giant Risers provided a glimpse of the potential depth Phoenix possesses this conference. For a team looking to maintain its strong start in the Commissioner’s Cup, contributions from players throughout the roster could prove vital as the competition intensifies in the coming weeks.

     

    With two convincing wins to open their campaign, the Fuel Masters will look to sustain their momentum and continue building chemistry as they navigate the early stages of the tournament. If the team’s depth continues to produce performances like Sunday’s outing, Phoenix could emerge as one of the early contenders in the conference.

     

     

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

    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.

    “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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  • Charles Tiu finally gets his shot as PBA head coach with Phoenix 

    Charles Tiu finally gets his shot as PBA head coach with Phoenix 

    For Charles Tiu, the head coaching job at Phoenix is less a sudden promotion and more the culmination of a journey that has quietly stretched across a decade and a half.

     

    The Fuel Masters confirmed Tuesday that Tiu has accepted the vacant head coaching post, an appointment finalized Monday evening. At 37, he finally steps into a role many in basketball circles felt was inevitable, given his extensive résumé built in the shadows of some of the sport’s most respected tacticians.

     

    “I’m just a simple guy from Xavier School, and now I get another chance to compete against the best coaches in the country and to coach some of the best players as well. That makes this opportunity truly exciting,” Tiu told Tiebreaker Times, as he became the first Xaverian to be named a PBA head coach.

     

    Tiu’s coaching roots trace back to the national team, where he cut his teeth as a deputy to Rajko Toroman with Gilas Pilipinas from 2009 to 2011. From there, he navigated the PBA landscape as an assistant under Bo Perasol at Powerade before rejoining Toroman at Barako Bull, experiences that shaped his grounding in professional basketball.

     

    While his PBA roles were largely behind the scenes, Tiu’s name steadily grew louder elsewhere. In 2018, he guided Go For Gold to the PBA D-League Foundation Cup title, a breakthrough moment that hinted at his readiness to lead. His reputation only expanded overseas, where he handled high-profile international squads.

     

    With Mighty Sports, Tiu delivered championships at the 2019 William Jones Cup and the 2020 Dubai International Basketball Championship. He later carried that success to Strong Group Athletics, steering the program to back-to-back William Jones Cup titles in 2024 and 2025 — a rare feat that further solidified his standing as a program builder.

     

     

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    His return to the PBA in 2021 saw him working under Norman Black at Meralco, followed by a lead assistant role at Converge in 2024. Yet even with years of preparation, the call to take over Phoenix still came as a surprise.

     

    “I’m happy to have the opportunity to coach in the PBA again. I never expected or imagined that I would be here at all — this was totally unplanned. I actually had quite a few vacation trips scheduled this year, which I guess we’ll have to cancel for now,” Tiu said with a laugh.

     

    Tiu replaces Willy Wilson, whose contract was not renewed after a single conference that ended with Phoenix posting a 3–8 record. The challenge awaiting him is clear: the Fuel Masters have missed the playoffs in five straight conferences, a drought the new coach is determined to end.

     

    “To be honest, the first goal is to make the playoffs. I think the team hasn’t reached the playoffs in the last five conferences, so we’ll try to break that streak,” he said.

     

    Balancing his duties as concurrent head coach of College of St. Benilde, Tiu will be joined on the Phoenix bench by TY Tang and Paolo Layug, alongside holdovers Paolo Dizon and Jon Jacinto — a mix of familiarity and fresh voices aimed at resetting the franchise.

     

    As he embarks on his first PBA head coaching assignment, Tiu was quick to acknowledge the people who shaped his path.

     

    “I’m just thankful to Boss Dennis Uy and Boss RTZ (Atty. Raymond Zorilla) for the trust, and of course to the people in my life who have guided me and taken a chance on me — the Benilde community; Boss Frank Lao of SGA; Boss Dennis Uy and Gov. Delta (Pineda) from Converge; Coach Norman Black; Caesar Wongchuking of Mighty Sports; Boss JB Baylon of Powerade; and Coach Rajko, who gave me my first break,” he shared.

     

    Now, after years of preparation across leagues and continents, Tiu finally gets his chance to put his own imprint on the PBA — with Phoenix serving as both his proving ground and his long-awaited opportunity.

     

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