Will Gozum set to sign two-year rookie deal with Phoenix

Will Gozum is set to sign a two-year rookie contract with the Phoenix Fuel Masters, further cementing his move to the professional ranks, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The upcoming signing was discussed by Phoenix head coach Charles Tiu during a recent episode of The Navs Effect Podcast. While Tiu did not formally announce the contract on the show, his remarks strongly suggested that Gozum is part of Phoenix’s plans going forward.

A separate source later confirmed that the agreement is expected to cover two seasons.

Gozum brings an accomplished background into his rookie year. He starred for the College of St. Benilde, where he emerged as one of the top players in the NCAA and was named Season 98 MVP.

Known for his physicality, rebounding, and steady scoring, Gozum became a focal point of Benilde’s success before taking the next step toward the pros. His development was briefly interrupted by a serious knee injury in 2024, but he returned to action in 2025, logging minutes in the MPBL and rebuilding his form ahead of the PBA draft where he was taken eighth overall by the Fuel Masters.

Phoenix, meanwhile, is undergoing a transition of its own.

The Fuel Masters recently appointed Tiu as head coach, handing him the task of guiding a roster that mixes a few veterans with young talent.

Despite his previous stint as Gozum’s college coach, Tiu made it clear on the podcast that familiarity will not translate into special treatment.

He said that his history with Gozum at Benilde does not mean the rookie will have an advantage in terms of playing time or minutes with Phoenix, especially considering the team’s depth at his position. Tiu stressed that opportunities will be earned in practice and games.

Tiu also shared his vision for how Gozum must adjust to the professional level. He explained that Gozum will need to evolve into more of a wing player in the PBA, rather than relying solely on his inside game. Improving his shooting, particularly from the perimeter, was cited as a key area of growth if he is to fit into Phoenix’s system.

For Gozum, the expected two-year rookie deal offers both stability and a clear challenge. Phoenix is giving him time to develop, but under a coach who knows his game well. How quickly he adapts his skill set could play a major role in shaping his early PBA career.