Though surprised by his appointment as Phoenix’s head coach, Willy Wilson emphasized that he will build on Mike Jarin’s foundation while fostering collaboration among players and staff.
Head coach Willy Wilson has his sights set on steering the Phoenix Fuel Masters back to the playoffs when the PBA’s golden season tips off this October.
Wilson said his first priority as the team’s newly minted shot-caller is to bring Phoenix back to the postseason — a feat last achieved in the 2023–24 Commissioner’s Cup.
“First and foremost, we’ve 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 told Play By Play in an exclusive interview.
Just a week after being promoted to head coach — succeeding now-consultant Jamike Jarin — the 45-year-old hopes to inject fresh energy into a franchise that has reached the playoffs only twice in the last five years.
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Wilson, who began his coaching journey with Phoenix as an assistant in 2019, admitted he didn’t expect to be elevated as the team’s new leader.
“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. It just so happened that I was doing something right in management’s eyes, and now I’m here,” Wilson said.
The former DLSU Green Archer, who also won a championship with Ginebra during his playing career, insists he won’t be overhauling the team’s system, noting that Phoenix already has a foundation in place under Jarin.
Instead, Wilson’s focus will be on refinement and stability.
“We’re continuing what coach Jamike started. It’s just fine-tuning and mastering what he has already built. We’re still working together, but now it’s going to be me standing up,” he said.
Furthermore, Wilson is doubling down on collaboration as the cornerstone of his leadership, aiming to give more of his players a sense of “ownership” with the team.
“I told the players that just because I moved into the head coaching position doesn’t mean my relationship with them will change. I’m going to have an open-door policy. I’m going to try to learn from everyone — and that includes the players,” he said.
“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’re 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,” Wilson added.
Phoenix endured a rough Season 49, missing the playoffs in all three conferences and finishing with a dismal 8–25 record. Now, with Wilson at the helm, the Fuel Masters are hoping he can finally turn things around.