FILE– Phoenix Fuel Masters during the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ahead of the PBA Season 50 Draft, newly-minted Phoenix mentor Willy Wilson already has a clear idea of what he wants.
While waiting for the final draft list, Wilson has mapped out what kind of talent he wants to see playing for the Fuel Masters in October.
“We just need to add more height to the team so that we can compete at that level. We want to be able to match up with them height-wise,” said Wilson in an interview with Play by Play.
“Obviously, we’re not going to get someone like June Mar Fajardo, but if we can find somebody who can at least make him work defensively, that would be a welcome addition for us.”
Phoenix is expected to have a high pick in the coming annual draft after
The Fuel Masters finished as cellar dwellers in the recently-concluded Philippine Cup with a 4-7 card. For the entirety of Season 49, Phoenix finished with a lowly 8-25 card, making them one of the favorites to pick in the Top 5.
Last year, Phoenix stuck to its usual route by drafting stretch forward Kai Ballungay. This time, the team is expected to go big to complement its young core.
“We have a good combination of players. It’s just about them working together and finding out what it feels like to win consistently, Wilson said.
Wilson was announced as Phoenix’s newest coach last week while former tactician Jamike Jarin was moved to a team consultant role.