Terrrafirma guard Juami TIongson.–PBA IMAGES
Juami Tiongson wants Terrafirma to “run it back” and build on what it was able to do in the PBA Philippine Cup, where it defied traditionally low and came within a win of making the semifinals.
Tiongson, who led the Dyip’s Cinderella run that finally struck midnight with a loss to the mighty San Miguel Beermen, is also leaning on management’s wisdom regarding what’s next for the promising lineup that could either get better or be broken into pieces.
“Honestly, I don’t have a say on what the future holds and it’s up for management to decide,” Tiongson told The Inquirer in Filipino outside of Ninoy Aquino Stadium where Terrafirma absorbed a 110-91 loss to San Miguel in Wednesday’s knockout quarterfinals.
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Terrafirma’s first quarterfinal appearance since the 2016 Governors’ Cup came into fruition not only because of Tiongson’s leadership and inspiring play, but the stirring performances of its young core that includes rookie Stephen Holt, Javi Gomez de Liaño and Isaac Go.
Holt lived up to his preseason billing not only as a top overall pick after years of pro experience in Europe, but also for being Tiongson’s partner in crime at the backcourt spot.
Gomez de Liaño showed promise as a steady perimeter player in his sophomore season and Go regained his pre-injury form as a front-line presence and someone who spread the floor on the offensive end.
‘Fair shake’
Their strong plays in the Philippine Cup have also raised speculations if Terrafirma will eventually unload these players to the bigger teams, something they had done in the past, like in 2021 when they sent CJ Perez to San Miguel Beer.
“I have confidence that management wants to have a better team and a better PBA, because that’s what the fans want; a fair shake in terms of the lineups,” he said.
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But Tiongson, who himself had been subject of trade rumors in the past, with no less than Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone admitting his interest in acquiring his services in 2021, also acknowledges the realities and responsibilities of being a PBA player.
“At the end of the day, I’ll just give my best, whether it’s with Terrafirma or elsewhere,” said Tiongson.