Holt, Tiongson in mad dash for first PBA crown

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Stephen Holt during the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Stephen Holt and Juami Tiongson once dreamt of winning a PBA championship together at Terrafirma, but a trade just before the 49th season put that vision out of the window when Holt was sent to perennial contender Barangay Ginebra.

A conference later, Tiongson has also moved on from playing for the Dyip—who shipped him to another power in San Miguel Beer—and nobody is happier to see the crafty guard move closer to a title than Holt.

“You know, at the end of the day, hard work will always show,” the reigning Rookie of the Year told the Inquirer in a candid chat.

“Juami is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever played with at Terrafirma, and for him to be rewarded with an opportunity to play for San Miguel is obviously a blessing.”

Tiongson, a 10-year veteran, has been fitting right in for the Beermen. He has been contributing well for the dynastic club even when he’s sharing minutes with more celebrated guards like CJ Perez, Chris Ross and Jericho Cruz.

Holt was actually just a couple of wins away from realizing his championship aspirations just a month ago when Ginebra battled eventual champion TNT for the Governors’ Cup title.

Great opportunity

And he is hoping that Tiongson’s moment will come sooner than later.

“I’m in the same position, um, you know, playing with your neighbor with the expectations of a championship,” Holt said. “Both of us are in a great opportunity. We just gotta continue to work hard, play within the team’s concepts.”

San Miguel is currently 2-2 in the midseason tournament and is looking to get a streak going against Blackwater at press time. Ginebra, meanwhile, was set to stake its 2-0 start versus guest club Hong Kong Eastern in the nightcap in Antipolo City.

Holt, being the competitor that he is, knows it’s a contest between him and his close pal from here on out.

“It’s a race to see who will win his first championship—me or him,” he said with a smirk. “Hopefully, we get one each at least before we retire.” INQ