TERRAFIRMA is fast proving it has what it takes in the season-opening conference–in stark contrast to the Dyip’s previous reputation as a perennial cellar-dweller.
That explains why TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa and his charges are not looking past Terrafirma, especially after top pick overall Stephen Holt banged in 21 points, six rebounds and six assists in the team’s 113-112 escape over NLEX last Saturday.
“Maayos na team sila ngayon. Mayroon na silang firepower aside from Juami (Tiongson), si Javi (Gomez de Liaño) is playing well, Isaac Go is playing well,” Lastimosa said. “Kasi kung titingnan mo ang credentials niya (Holt), this guy is a legit player. Medyo masama lang laro niya in his first couple of games.
“But now you know in his last game maganda ipinakita niya. So, we gotta deal with that kind of player,” he added.
The Dyip’s resolve will be tested anew when they square off with the Tropang Giga today in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The curtain-raiser is set at 4 p.m., with Terrafirma seeking a third straight win and moving to second.
But the Dyip of tactician Johnedel Cardel will have to make do without main man Juami Tiongson and Kemark Carino, both doubtful due to undisclosed illnesses, while import Thomas de Thaey is reportedly nursing a groin injury.
The Road Warriors battle the NorthPort Batang Pier in the nightcap at 8 o’clock.
Terrafirma will pin its hopes on Gomez de Liaño, Holt, and Go to raise its 2-1 mark.
While the Dyip are dealing with the injury bug, Lastimosa said gunner Roger Pogoy, who was supposed to miss the conference due to a heart condition, may be back sooner than initially projected.
“Medyo malapit na si Roger. Last (health) bulletin from Roger, his heart. . . wala na siyang signs. He passed all the stress tests, and then sabi ng doctors na nag-check sa kanya, instead of six months we could probably see Roger this conference,” he said.
“I’m looking at Roger–kasi nag-start na siyang mag-workout sa amin– we could probably see him as early as Christmas Day (against Ginebra). As of now, nag-uumpisa pa lang siya ng shooting, light workout, weights, getting in shape.”
TNT will go into the duel on a high, having scored a 101-98 overtime decision over Converge 11 days back that improved its record to 1-1.
The likes of reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Jayson Castro, and Calvin Oftana are expected to carry the fight for the Tropang Giga.
With a 1-2 slate, NLEX’s fortitude will be in the spotlight after Road Warriors star Kevin Alas suffered an ACL injury the last time out–and the third in his pro league stint.
Done for the import-spiced tilt, Alas is set to undergo operation in December and is expected to be out for 10 to 12 months.
Reinforcement Thomas Robinson, Kris Rosales, Sean Anthony, Don Trollano, and rookie Richie Rodger will be counted upon by NLEX to deliver.
