Metro Manila, Philippines – Charles Tiu has been appointed as the new head coach of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, the team announced on its social media pages on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Tiu said he is looking forward to the tough competition in Asia’s first play-for-pay basketball league.
“Excited, yes. I know it’s a big challenge. It’s very tough to win in the PBA, going up against great teams and coaches. So we have to work hard and be better as a team,” he told NewsWatch Plus.
The 37-year-old tactician, brother of former PBA player Chris Tiu, began his coaching journey as an assistant to Rajko Toromon with the Smart Gilas men’s team in 2009 in his collegiate years.
Tiu then served as an assistant coach with different teams, including Powerade, Barako Bull, Meralco, and Converge in the PBA.
As a head coach, Tiu steered Mighty Sports and Strong Group Athletics to the William Jones Cup and Dubai International Basketball titles, respectively.
Tiu also led Go For Gold to the PBA D-League Foundation Cup crown in 2018.
Tiu takes over the reins from Willy Wilson who mentored the Fuel Masters for just one conference, finishing in 10th place with a dismal 3-8 win-loss record.
Asked what his role will be with the College of St. Benilde, Tiu said he is staying on the bench.
The PBA and NCAA prohibit their head coaches from holding the same post in another league.
Tiu and CSB are coming off a Final Four stint in NCAA Season 101, falling short of a return trip to the finals after losing to San Beda University in three games in the semifinals.
“I will still coach CSB,” he said
“As for the title, we will deal with that when the NCAA season starts. But as always, my contract with Benilde has been as a consultant only, from Day 1,” he added.
