PHOENIX officially parted ways with head coach Willy Wilson after a brief partnership that lasted just an entire conference.
Management announced the decision on Wednesday in an official statement on its social media account, sayung the decision is effective immediately.
Also let go was former coach and consultant Jamike Jarin.
The Fuel Masters said both parties parted ways amicably and thanked both Wilson and Jarin for their respective services to the organization.
"We thank coach Willy and Jamike for their hard work, commitment, and professionalism through the years, and wish them the very best best in their future endeavors," said the team in its official statement.
"The team will provide more updates in the coming dates."
That could very well be who the next man will handle the team, with College of St. Benilde and Strong Group Athletics coach Charles Tiu looming as the likely replacement for Wilson.
Frank Lao, who heads Strong Group Athletics and top backer of the Blazers in the NCAA, confirmed to Spin.ph the other day that he already gave Tiu his blessings about joining the Phoenix franchise.
Doing so, however, meant Tiu will have to give up his coaching job at Saint Benilde as the PBA doesn't allow its coaches to handle collegiate team at the same time.
For Wilson, it was a brief shot at PBA coaching after he was elevated to the position during the off season and replaced Jarin, who was retained in the capacity as team consultant.
Unfortunately, the Fuel Masters failed to take off in the season-opening Philippine Cup and finished with a 3-8 (win-loss) record as they missed the playoffs for the fifth straight conference.
The last time Phoenix made it past the eliminations came during the Season 48 Commissioner's Cup when it reached the semifinals behind eventual Best Import Jonathan Williams, but lost to Magnolia in the best-of-five series, 3-1.
Jarin was the man at the helm of the Fuel Masters back then.
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