CHARLES Tiu isn’t certain what the future awaits at Phoenix for team consultant Vitaly Stepanovsky.
Nonetheless, he’s forever grateful for all the help and knowledge the Ukrainian coach imparted on him and the franchise in the brief time that they we’re together.
The Fuel Masters’ season ended following their sweep at the hands of top seed NLEX Road Warriors in their quarterfinals series.
READ: Tiu hopes to keep core intact next season, starting with Rivero
And so was Stepanovsky’s stint with the franchise.
Tiu can’t assure if the 45-year-old former head coach of the Ukrainian national team will be back for another tour of duty.
“That remains to be seen,” said Tiu, adding Stepanovsky’s previous contract was only for the remainder of the season-ending conference.
“He just finished the conference. Short term lang yun (contract).”
The Ukrainian coach joined the Fuel Masters late in July to help the team after Tiu previously battled him and the Ukrainian team in the 2024 Jones Cup.
Calling the shots for Strong Group Athletics, the Philippines defeated Ukraine, 82-74, on the way to an eight-game sweep to win the championship.
Tiu and Stepanovsky has become friends since then.
“We became friends,” said Tiu of the Ukrainian mentor, who also acts as consultant for College of Saint Benilde.
“He’s a good coach. I think the players love him. And ako naman I also want to learn. So I’m really happy to have him.”
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