Willy Wilson insists that there’s still room to grow even after finally getting his first win as coach of Phoenix.
And what a result it was for Wilson as the Fuel Masters were able to catch a huge fish in the San Miguel Beermen by the tune of 109-103 that sent the defending champions of the Philippine Cup reeling to a 0-2 start.
‘I think the adjustment doesn’t stop,’ Wilson said. ‘The things that we showed are only a small portion of what we want to do on the court. The team is relatively new and we have seven new guys who are learning to get the best out of each other.
‘And I’m also trying to find the best in me as well,’ he added.
Some of his new players responded, like Yousef Taha with his work containing June Mar Fajardo underneath, Evan Nelle with nine assists and James Kwekuteye hitting some shots that kept San Miguel at bay. That completed the key performances of Phoenix mainstays with Ricci Rivero leading the way with 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
Though having known Wilson since he was kid, Rivero was also adjusting to the new man at the helm for Phoenix despite being one of the longest-tenured personalities on the club.
Wilson admits that he’s not some sort of a shouter to get the best out of his team, but he recalled how Rivero made one request when the two had a heart-to-heart talk. Wilson did so at halftime when Phoenix felt having a 10-point halftime lead wasn’t enough to satisfy him, especially against a quality team like San Miguel.
‘As a coach, I want them to react without the need to shout at them, because that’s not who I am,’ said Wilson in Filipino. ‘Unless the moment calls for it.
‘That’s why during one practice, Ricci, who I know since he was in grade school because his dad was my coach [at Barako Bull] and he asked me if ‘Coach, do you think you should shout more?’ And I told him ‘That’s not who I am.’ But he responded that I should. And for me as a first-time head coach, it’s huge.
‘For him to come up to me and make a suggestion like that, that’s bravery,’ Wilson added.
Phoenix split the first two games under Wilson, the opener ending up with a loss to TNT last Friday in Rodriguez. He hopes that the small portion would grow game-by-game as the Fuel Masters aim to put themselves in a position to make the playoffs.