MANILA, Philippines—As far as Will Gozum is concerned, College of St. Benilde coach Charles Tiu is one of the best coaches today in terms of player development.

Gozum said that Tiu has taught him almost everything en route to his journey to this year’s PBA Draft.

READ: CSB Blazers star Will Gozum declares for PBA Rookie Draft

“Actually, coach Charles is the best, development-wise,” said the NCAA Season 98 MVP in a phone call with The Inquirer.

“That’s for me. If you’re in need of confidence, he’ll really give it to you and he’ll trust you because he’ll really watch how you work.”

Tiu coached Gozum during his time with the Blazers and true enough, he pushed the 6-foot-4 bruiser to greater heights.

READ: NCAA: Will Gozum finds MVP form for streaking Benilde

Gozum played his best basketball under Tiu’s tutelage, posting 16.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in the 2022 season.

Gozum wasn’t the only Benilde big man who flourished under Tiu with Allen Liwag also emerging as an NCAA MVP. The Blazers also reached the NCAA Finals twice with Tiu calling the shots.

Even when Gozum had left Taft, he still applied what he learned from Tiu during his stint in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) with the Quezon Huskers.

READ: Will Gozum motivated by coach’s ‘we suck, overrated’ tweet

Now, he hopes to showcase those learnings in the PBA after declaring for the rookie draft on September 7.

“My skills really got developed because of him along with my basketball IQ. That’s because of him and the coaching staff, as well.”

“It even goes on during our viewing. If you do something wrong, he gives you advice. If you do something good, he will commend you so your mind will know what to think when it comes to the games.”