Phoenix eyes a different direction and to turn into a legitimate contender by tapping Willy Wilson as head coach of the Fuel Masters for the coming 50th Season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The club announced Wilson’s appointment as the replacement for Jamike Jarin, who was named Phoenix team consultant, in a post on its social media account on Friday.

“Management believes that coach Willy will be a good fit for the team as it continues to pursue more success in Season 50,” the Fuel Masters said in a statement.

“In line with this, Jamike Jarin has been assigned as team consultant moving forward.”

Phoenix expressed its utmost trust in Wilson, being its former player from 2016 to 2018 and a long-time member of its coaching staff.

The 45-year-old Wilson also worked as head coach of the franchise’s 3x3 team Limitless.

“Coach Willy has been part of the Phoenix roster as a player since 2016, before moving up to the coaching staff in 2020 as assistant coach,” the Fuel Masters said.

“His experience both as a PBA player and coach will be an instrumental tool as he steers the best out of the Fuel Masters in the coming season,” the team added.

Wilson will begin his hold of the coaching reins this month as Phoenix prepares for the season-opening Philippine Cup, which will open on 5 October.

The Fuel Masters had a disappointing Season 49 run with a cumulative win-loss record of 8-25.

Phoenix missed the playoffs in all three conferences of the previous season.