College of Saint Benilde mentor Charles Tiu formally reputed rumors that link him to the head coaching job of Phoenix Fuel Masters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
In a social media post, the youthful mentor stressed that he’s not going anywhere as he is inclined to coach the Blazers in the coming Season 102 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
“I’m not leaving Benilde,” said Tiu, who pumped life into the program of the Blazers since taking over in 2022.
“I’m still coaching them this NCAA season.”
Talks about Tiu packing his bags for the PBA surfaced following reports that Phoenix had already parted ways with Willy Wilson after just one conference.
One of the brightest young mentors in the country, Tiu’s name was mentioned, stressing that he is in the shortlist of candidates together with former Converge mentor Aldin Ayo.
After all, Tiu has the credentials to coach in the country’s top professional league after leading the Blazers to a pair of finals appearances in his four seasons as mentor. They also advanced to the Final Four twice in 2023 and 2025 and made it to the play-in round in 2022.
However, the Blazers fell short of winning the title, losing to Letran in Season 98 and Mapua University in Season 100. Last season, the Blazers made an early exit as they fell to San Beda University in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, San Sebastian College will be trekking a new direction after hiring a new coach in the coming NCAA wars.
Canada-based mentor Tony Tan will be replacing Robert Labagala as head coach while United Prep Canada will serve as the team’s new sponsor.
No less than San Sebastian president Rafael Pecson OAR welcomed Tan’s appointment as the school tries to move on from the tumultuous Labagala era that saw their players missing their allowances after the management group of Red Dynasty Seafood Restaurant of Jackson Chua failed to honor its promise.
San Sebastian, which bombed out of the Final Four with a 3-11 win-loss record in Season 101, will be bannered by NCAA Defensive Player of the Year Jhuniel Dela Rama and flashy playmaker Ian Cuajao.