After a 10th-place finish in the PBA Philippine Cup under Willie Wilson, Phoenix Fuel Masters quickly turned the page after just one conference with him.
With a young core led by veteran Jason Perkins, the team saw untapped potential and made a bold move by giving Charles Tiu his first head coaching role in the PBA.
So far, it's paying off.
Phoenix has opened the conference with a 3-1 record, showing signs of real progress. Now, the question is: what has Tiu done to get the Fuel Masters on the right track?
Let's take a deeper look at the early positives.
Rivero as the team's alpha
Ricci Rivero has clearly stepped into the role of Phoenix's main man, and it's showing in how the offense flows.
With more responsibility on his shoulders this Commissioner's Cup, the 27-year old guard has embraced being the primary option, averaging 22.5 points, six rebounds and four assists on 33.2 minutes per contest through four games.
His breakout moment came in a career-high 40-point performance on an ultra-efficient 81.2 TS%, handing Terrafirma its first loss of the conference and putting the league on notice.
This expanded role is also reflected in his usage, where he currently ranks eighth overall and leads all locals at 32.1%. But beyond the numbers, the biggest shift has been in his decision-making.
Rivero is playing with more patience, no longer forcing drives out of ball screens and instead reading the defense -- probing whether to kick it out or attack the lane.
That growth extends to his perimeter game as well. Shooting 40.7% from three on 6.8 attempts per game, Rivero is becoming more selective and confident with his outside shot.
He's learning to take what the defense gives him by pulling up when defenders go under screens or sag off rather than settling for rushed attempts.
Simply put, Rivero is evolving into a more complete scorer, one who understands how to dictate the game based on what's in front of him.
Nelle as the steadying playmaker
For Phoenix, Evan Nelle has stepped in as the team's main table setter, taking advantage of the opportunity created by Tyler Tio's early injury.
With more minutes opened up in the backcourt, Tiu has leaned on Nelle to organize the offense,and so far, the young guard has delivered. Through four games, the former DLSU standout is averaging 11 points and 5.3 assists, providing the structure and control the team needs.
More than just the numbers, Nelle's feel for the game has stood out within Phoenix's system. He's been effective pushing the pace with quick outlet passes, initiating sets in the halfcourt, and navigating the pick-and-roll to create looks for teammates.
But most importantly, the ability to find shooters on the perimeter and build chemistry with their best player in Rivero has given the Fuel Masters a more balanced and connected offensive flow.
On top of his playmaking, Nelle has also added a scoring punch from deep, especially with his early success from the four-point line, hitting 6-of-8 so far. This added range forces defenses to extend, opening up more space for Phoenix's creators.
In turn, Nelle's presence as both a facilitator and a floor spacer has made him a key piece in the team's early surge.
Utilizing Phoenix's wings and tweeners
The versatility in Phoenix's roster has always been there, but it's just now being fully unlocked.
Under Tiu, the Fuel Masters are doing a better job of putting their wings and tweeners in positions where they can thrive, while also giving everyone a chance to contribute.
Shooters like Bryan Santos (41.2% from beyond the arc) and Kenneth Tuffin (11.8 points per game) aren't just stationed on the floor anymore -- they're being utilized in ways that maximize their spacing, keeping defenses honest and creating more room for import James Dickey III to operate inside.
That same idea applies to their athletic forwards. Even with Kai Ballungay currently sidelined, his role as a vertical threat highlighted how this system values movement, cutting, and rim pressure.
Tiu has emphasized getting these players involved in actions where they can play to their strengths, whether it's running the floor, attacking closeouts, or finishing above the rim. It's less about forcing roles and more about letting each player's natural skill set fit into the flow of the offense.
Meanwhile, Jason Perkins remains the steady presence anchoring the group, even as he plays through less than full fitness, while rookie Will Gozum is gradually being brought along.
Not every team has the luxury of this kind of versatile forward rotation, which makes it even more important for Phoenix to maximize it. What stands out is how everyone has a defined role without being limited by it.
This balance of structure and freedom has allowed the Fuel Masters to fully tap into their depth, turning what was once just potential into a more cohesive and effective rotation.
