FILE–Terrafirma’s Juami Tiongson. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Getting selected for his first-ever appearance in the PBA All-Star Game served as both a reward and a reminder for Terrafirma’s Juami Tiongson.
“It’s very humbling because I came from nothing to be all of a sudden becoming an All-Star,” Tiongson said in Filipino after scoring 30 points in the Dyip’s 107-99 victory over the Converge FiberXers to begin their PBA Philippine Cup campaign Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Everything happens so fast and I’m so thankful and content with what’s happening to my career. But at the same time, there’s more work to be done. My All-Star selection is just the beginning.”
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Tiongson was the 23rd out of the 24 players selected by fans during the balloting for the exhibition classic slated March 23 in Bacolod City, a validation of his status as one of the premier players in the PBA.
He missed out on a spot during last year’s edition in Passi City, Iloilo despite being considered as a deserved inclusion to the game.
Getting to the All-Star festivities continued the incredible rise of the former Ateneo guard, who at one point was out of the big league and had to prove his wares in the PBA D-League before getting another chance.
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Terrafirma’s All-Filipino opener was again a showcase for Tiongson, whose offensive brilliance coupled with his team play with rookie Stephen Holt led to a convincing triumph.
“Our chemistry is so smooth because he’s very unselfish to a point that I have to remind that he should be aggressive,” Tiongson said of Holt, who finished with 27 points.
The Dyip are hoping to use the PBA Philippine Cup start as a springboard to compete for a playoff spot which has eluded them for the almost seven seasons.
“We used to feel that every win is like winning a playoff game,” he said. “But all of us were level-headed, relaxed and laser-focused on the next task.”