The Phoenix Fuel Masters are not just making a move—they are making a statement. This after bringing back former import Johnathan Williams to replace James Dickey III right in the thick of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The decision is a strong and clear message by Phoenix management that it is playoff-or-bust in this midseason tourney.
Why Now?
Replacing Dickey seems like a curious decision at this point of the conference, especially after the former Pelita Jaya import had led Phoenix to a 5-4 slate, which is good enough to put the Fuel Masters in the quarterfinals if the playoffs started today. In eight games, Dickey had put up 19.6 points, 19.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks while establishing a reputation as an energy guy and a hard worker.
However, he surprisingly missed Phoenix’s last game—a 130-103 loss to the Converge FiberXers—supposedly due to a sprained ankle. Dickey’s decision reportedly took the Fuel Masters by surprise, with coach Charles Tiu telling reporters he felt his import could’ve played through whatever injury he was nursing. Evidently, this misstep proved enough for Phoenix to pivot away from Dickey and bring in Williams instead.
What Does Johnathan Williams Bring?
Johnathan Williams is no stranger to PBA fans. He first played in the league in the 2023–24 Commissioner’s Cup, where he led the Fuel Masters to the semifinals en route to winning Best Import of the Conference. A lefty, Williams normed 24.5 points, 16.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks across 17 games while helping Phoenix to its best finish in recent franchise history.
Like Dickey, Williams is a prolific rebounder and a high-motor reinforcement. But he might be even better overall. Williams is an inside-outside force on offense who can create his own shot, which should bode well for a team that has mostly relied on Jason Perkins and Ricci Rivero for playmaking. While he can score, the veteran internationalist is also a capable and willing passer, as evidenced by his 5.2 assists a game. That should bode well for Phoenix, too, as Tiu has a cadre of shooters in Tyler Tio, Kenneth Tuffin, and even Rivero, to name just three.
Crucially for Phoenix, Johnathan Williams is coming off a busy international calendar, having suited up for the London Lions and Suwon KT Sonicboom earlier this year. This means his conditioning should be game-ready. That’s huge, because the Fuel Masters are essentially in must-win territory to ensure safe passage to the quarterfinals.
The Road Ahead
That means Johnathan Williams will be thrown into the fire right away as Phoenix is about to enter a gauntlet where games against the TNT Tropang 5G, Macau Black Knights, and San Miguel Beermen await.
Put simply, the Fuel Masters have zero margin for error. Now, they’ve got an import in Johnathan Williams who might be a better fit for such high stakes.
