Charles Tiu steps into his first PBA head coaching role as he takes over the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters ahead of the Season 50 Commissioner's Cup.
Phoenix Super LPG has turned to a familiar basketball mind, officially appointing Charles Tiu as its new head coach on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
The 37-year-old tactician steps into his first PBA head coaching role after building his career largely as an assistant across multiple franchises and elite basketball programs.
Tiu will steer the Fuel Masters into preparations for the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
“Charles Tiu takes the reins for the Phoenix SUPER LPG Fuelmasters! After officially accepting the offer last Monday, Coach Charles begins the road to Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup tomorrow,” the team said in its announcement.
Tiu gained early experience at the national team level before moving through several PBA teams as an assistant coach.
He later earned his first head coaching success in the developmental ranks, leading Go For Gold to the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup title.
Outside the PBA, Tiu built a strong international resume, handling the Mighty Sports and Strong Group Athletics in major overseas tournaments, including the William Jones Cup and the Dubai International Basketball Championship.
[ALSO READ: Strong Group becomes first Philippine team to repeat as Jones Cup champion]
Tiu also coached College of Saint Benilde to the NCAA Finals in Seasons 98 and 100, and his PBA journey in recent years include stints with Meralco and Converge.
Tiu takes over from Willy Wilson, whose contract was not renewed after a single conference with Phoenix. With Wilson, the Fuel Masters ended with a 3–8 record in the Philippine Cup.
At Phoenix, Tiu inherits a roster that includes Jason Perkins, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, RR Garcia, and Sean Manganti, giving him a solid core as he looks to reset the Fuel Masters’ direction in the 50th season of the league.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.