PBA: Juami Tiongson optimistic of Terrafirma’s chances in new season

Juami Tiongson and the Terrafirma Dyip. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Success has been elusive for the Terrafirma franchise, but Juami Tiongson has always found a way to be optimistic in his time with the Dyip.

Tiongson was visibly more cheerful on Tuesday during the Philippine Basketball Association’s Media Day at One Esplanade in Pasay City.

“Every year, I’ve always been optimistic. But you’re right, this is the most promising we’ve been with our new guys and import,” the crafty playmaker told reporters with a smile.

Terrafirma has been finishing at the bottom of the standings in the past six PBA seasons. Its last decent run was back in the 2016 Governors’ Cup when the club—then called the Mahindra Enforcers—finished 5th in the race.

Tiongson is pinning his positive outlook on the team’s rookie bunch composed of top draft pick and overseas veteran Stephen Holt, the athletic Taylor Miller, Tommy Olivario, Kemark Cariño and the now-healthy big men William Navarro and Isaac Go.

And then there’s the club’s bruising Belgian import, Thomas de Thaey, who is raring to bring his European style into the PBA.

“All throughout my stay in Terrafirma, we’ve been stuck with four wins. I guess the goal, collectively, is to make six wins,” Tiongson said.

“And then make it to quarterfinals, then see what happens from there,” he added. “Our new guys, with Stephen, Taylor and Kemark are all going to be of big help.”