Juami Tiongson credits career streak to teammates, new coaching schemes

Juami Tiongson shines anew for Terrafirma. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—It may just be two games but Juami Tiongson is having the best stretch of his PBA career.

Not only did Tiongson tally back-to-back scoring highs, but his performance also came at the expense of San Miguel and Ginebra—two of the most storied clubs in the league.

Tiongson’s first career performance was a 28-point outing in Terrafirma’s shock 110-104 win over the Beermen on Wednesday.

The Dyip and Tiongson, however, weren’t finished.

The team won its first stretch of two consecutive games with the diminutive shooter chalking up yet another career-high when he exploded for 31 points on 9-of-15 shooting from deep in Terrafirma’s 95-90 victory over the Gin Kings.

As much as Tiongson could be credited for torrid shooting, he was quick to deflect praise to his teammates and coaches.

🎥 Floater naman daw sabi ni Juami.

88-74 Terrafirma. #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/wRYXvW5QJb

— PBA (@pbaconnect) September 3, 2021

“Just having faith, just trusting the work that I put in the last months leading up to the opening of the season,” said Tiongson in the post-game press conference Friday. “My teammates were pushing me, looking for me.”

“All of this wouldn’t be possible if not for them.”

Tiongson’s outbursts also mirrored his team’s success as the Dyip became the first team in the past nine years to defeat San Miguel and Ginebra in successive games.

Terrafirma’s win was also its first over Ginebra in its seven-year history in the league.

Tiongson said that his run of form, albeit just two games, is thanks to Dyip head coach Johnedel Cardel’s new schemes that allow him to create freely.

Cardel’s staff also devised plays that would open the floor for shooters—Tiongson being one of those long range threats.

“During the past weeks, coach John and the rest of the coaching staff put in new plays to help the shooters get free,” said Tiongson. “We’re not that predictable in offense. I think the coaching really did a good job.”

“This wouldn’t be possible if not for coach John because he just lets me play, he lets me make mistakes, he lets me be creative.”