PBA: Juami Tiongson leading Terrafirma’s early surge

Terrafirma guard Juami Tiongson.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Juami Tiongson earned high praises from Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel after their most recent win in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Led by Tiongson, the Dyip squeaked past NLEX, 99-95, to earn a rare 2-0 start on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.

Tiongson recorded a team-high 21 points with three assists, two rebounds and a steal to power Terrafirma to its best franchise start since the 2016 Governors’ Cup.

But it wasn’t the rosiest scoring exhibition for Tiongson, who only made five of his 17 shots from the field for a lowly 29 percent shooting clip.

Still, Cardel made it a point to say positive things about the emerging point guard.

“With Juami, every practice, he arrives early. He even arrives earlier than me even if it’s 5 or 5:30 a.m., he still makes it a point to go first. Seeing that, I told myself that I can live and die with Juami because I can see his efforts,” said Cardel in Filipino.

“I have huge confidence in him. Even if he makes mistakes, I know he will always bounce back.”

Tiongson contributing big on offense isn’t new for the Dyip.

The Ateneo product finished with a 30-piece on Friday when Terrafirma beat Converge 107-99 on Friday.

Stephen Holt, who turned in an exceptional game with 17 points, seven boards, four assists and four steals, said Tiongson makes it easier for him to be effective on the floor.

“He makes my job easier. With him, I can focus more on defense. He picks me up, I can deny the passing lines to make it more difficult for other guards,” said the 2023 first overall draft pick.