A few years removed from playing in the PBA, Willy Wilson has been keeping himself in tip-top condition by continuously playing competitive basketball with the Firechief Fire Extinguishers in the V-Cup.
Now he has to sharpen his mind more as the multi-titled player embarks a new career as head coach of the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the 50th season of Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league.
Phoenix Fuel Masters team manager Paolo Bugia shared to Pinoystep.com the rationale behind the appointment of Wilson as head coach.
“Management just felt it’s time to shake things up and see what different voice may bring,” wrote Bugia in a text message. The past several conferences have been disappointing and we are always looking to improve. Willy has been with us from the beginning, so it’s about time he’s given the opportunity.”
Wilson is taking over the spot previously held by Jamike Jarin, who will remain with the squad as a consultant.
As a player, Wilson was part of Braangay Ginebra’s 2008 champion squad when the league’s most popular team won the Fies Conference with Jong Uichico at the helm.
But the former La Salle stalwart was fortunate to become a part of the Green Archers’ dynasty that won four titles from 1998 to 2001.
The past few years, Wilson has been part of the coaching staff of Phoenix, after he retired from playing at the end of the 2018 season, even leading the Limitless Appmasters, the Fuel Masters’ affiliated brand, in winning the PBA 3×3 crown in the 2021 First Conference.
Wilson is now ready to hit the big time.
