PHOENIX new coach Charles Tiu gets a chance to be reunited with Will Gozum, his former ward at College of St. Benilde, as the team’s eighth overall pick in the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft signed a two-year deal this week.
Tiu, who is coming in to take the spot of Willy Wilson, admitted that he’s tempering his expectations on Gozum, who under his watch blossomed into a star and went on to win the NCAA Season 98 Most Valuable Player award.
“To be honest, he looked better when he was in Benilde,” Tiu told The Manila Times. “It’s hard coming off a (torn) ACL (anterior cruciate ligament in his knee) and not playing much in the MPBL.”
After his collegiate stint that saw St. Benilde finish second behind Letran, Gozum moved over to play in the MPBL, where he played for the Quezon Huskers from 2023 to 2025.
While Gozum had a decent first season, the 6-foot-4 undersized big man eventually suffered the season-ending knee injury.
Tiu said he’s not in a hurry to put Gozum on the spotlight, noting how the former NCAA MVP will have to earn his playing time and understand the pecking order in the team’s loaded front court position.
“He will have to work and earn his minutes. We have a lot of guys in his position,” he said.
Tiu also feels good about their incoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup import James Dickey, who he said is the “right fit” for Phoenix.
Dickey, listed at 6-10, is coming off a stint with Pelita Jaya, which he helped win the Indonesia Basketball League in 2024.
