Sometimes, all it takes is one man to believe. That’s been the case with Charles Tiu, whose unwavering belief in his Phoenix Fuel Masters seems to be paying off handsomely in the early goings of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
For one, Phoenix has won its first two games of the conference after dismantling the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 109-76, on Sunday at the Ynares Center. That win comes on the heels of the Fuel Masters’ 101-98 escape act on Friday against the Magnolia Hotshots that gave Tiu his first official victory as head coach in Asia’s first and oldest pay-for-play league.
Charles Tiu Has Faith in His Team
This strong start circles back to the young coach’s belief in his young but talented squad.
“I’m thankful that we’re 2-0. I believe in this team. I think we can compete with every team naman and at least give ourselves a chance to win every game,” Tiu told reporters after Phoenix beat Titan. “‘Yun lang naman ang hinihingi namin, to fight every game. So far the players have been responding, they’ve been playing very well.”
The Fuel Masters have been playing well, indeed, recording 45 assists over their first two games and finding contributors up and down the lineup—including even rookies like JC Cullar and Will Gozum.
Fuel Masters Can Get Better
Encouragingly, it looks like there’s plenty of room for improvement for Phoenix, which has won its first two games even with injuries to its key players. Jason Perkins, for one, is nursing a hurting Achilles, which sidelined the burly big man against Titan and is requiring some load management.
Tyler Tio also didn’t play against the Giant Risers after turning his ankle against Magnolia. Then, on Sunday, athletic wing Kai Ballungay also turned his ankle and is now day-to-day.
Even so, Charles Tiu is hoping that these injuries are nothing too serious, noting that Perkins could’ve played against Titan if needed. Tio, said Tiu, might be out a week or two more, while Ballungay will still be assessed.
But even with these injuries, best believe Charles Tiu will continue believing in his Fuel Masters. And that could maybe lead to bigger things for the franchise real soon.
