New Phoenix Fuel Masters head coach Willy Wilson (left) and PBA Season 50 Draft applicant Geo Chiu (right). Photos from Phoenix and FIBA Basketball.MANILA — The Phoenix Fuel Masters are set to enter a new phase come the PBA Season 50.
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Not only will the squad be headed by their newest head coach Willy Wilson who assumed the previous spot of Jamike Jarin -- the Fuel Masters are also equipped with the second overall pick in the annual Rookie Draft in September.
Phoenix is looking to turn things around after it only won eight of its 33 total games in Season 49, which is why the Fuel Masters are making sure that their selection will help them maneuver into the next stops which they will be taking.
“I don’t think it’s a secret, looking at our roster, we are wing-heavy, and we have our point guards, so our priority is a true center,” said Wilson in an appearance on Power & Play on Saturday.
“Somebody who can hold their own down without double-teams, so our primary priority is a true center,” he added.
Among the most notable big men of this year’s class is Ateneo de Manila University product Geo Chiu who boasts a resume that includes Gilas Pilipinas as well as overseas experience in the Japan B.League with the Ehime Orange Vikings.
However, while the 6-foot-9 Chiu looks like what just the doctor ordered for Phoenix, Wilson said that he and his staff still need to take time before finalizing their selection.
“Actually, I had just found out that he is in the draft,” said the former player of Chiu who was among the last-minute applicants. “We haven’t really sat down and dissected his game yet.”
“Yes, getting the big man is important, but getting the best talent is even more important. So we have to do our due diligence to dissect our players, including Geo Chiu,” he added.
In addition to the draft, while there are no immediate plans for Phoenix to shake things up via a trade, Wilson bared that he would not say no if ever a good offer comes up.
“Roster balance is important, but if the trade is there,” he pointed out. “If the offer comes in for a player who can fit our core, of course, I would entertain that offer. If he can help the team, why not?”
Aside from the possible movements ahead of Season 50, the former Barangay Ginebra forward emphasized that he is confident of the capabilities of his current core which is led by Jason Perkins.
“We don’t have any issues with egos, so we have that as our best trait,” he said. “Their character, first and foremost. Coach Jamike laid down that culture of no superstars, just all hard workers who want to be there for each other.”
The PBA Draft is on September 7 at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.