Phoenix Fuel Masters names Charles Tiu as new head coach

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

There will be a new chief tactician who will call the shots for the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.

On Jan. 20, 2026, PBA franchise Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters announced that NCAA mentor Charles Tiu will take over the team’s head coaching position via a social media post.

“After officially accepting the offer last Monday, Coach Charles begins the road to the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup tomorrow!” Phoenix posted on its official Facebook page.

Tiu replaced Willy Wilson after the team suffered a disappointing 3–8 win-loss record in the previous conference under Wilson’s tenure.

The former assistant turned head coach officially ended his five-year stay with Phoenix and has yet to find a new team.

Despite back-to-back heartbreaking campaigns in the NCAA as head coach of the Benilde Blazers, Tiu’s coaching résumé still boasts numerous achievements, including several championship titles on the international stage.

Tiu first tasted international glory after leading Team Mighty Sports to the 2019 William Jones Cup title and followed it up with another championship two years later.

The decorated mentor also made history during the 2020 Dubai International Basketball Championship, where he steered Mighty Sports to the title and became the first non-Arab team to win the tournament.

His most recent victory came in July 2025, when the Tiu-led Strong Group Athletics went undefeated in the William Jones Cup to seal the title.

With the recent career promotion, Tiu’s coaching position at Benilde is now in limbo, but sources said he may take on an active consultant role for the next NCAA season.

“Truly excited and humbled to be joining the Phoenix Fuel Masters,” Tiu posted on X.

“Not leaving Benilde at all. I repeat, there is no Benilde exit. I intend to coach both teams, and whatever title or position is irrelevant to me.”