Terrafirma hits rough patch

MANILA, Philippines — It’s been a trying start for Terrafirma in the PBA Governors’ Cup with back-to-back blowout losses but head coach Johnedel Cardel isn’t giving up hope that a breakthrough is just around the corner.

When original import Brandon Edwards went down with a left knee injury in a tune-up against Meralco, things began to crumble. “Tinalo namin Meralco tapos dikit mga laban with NorthPort at Magnolia sa preseason,” said Cardel. “Tinambakan kami ng Blackwater pero di naman full lineup kaya feeling ko, ready na makipagsabayan.” Emergency replacement Antonio Hester flew in last Monday, did a walk-through the next day and played his first game last Wednesday. The jet lag was evident as the Dyip dropped a 127-95 decision to Converge. Then came the 112-93 defeat to NorthPort with Hester still dragging his feet to score 13.

The good news is Edwards may be back in time for the game against Magnolia on Sept. 1. The initial fear was Edwards suffered an ACL tear but a hyperextension was later confirmed with a recovery period of two to three weeks. He’ll miss Terrafirma’s game against Meralco on Wednesday. Edwards has a two-month guaranteed contract and is undergoing strengthening to get ready for Magnolia.

There are other issues bugging Terrafirma. Louie Sangalang is nursing a swollen left foot but should be fit for Wednesday’s game. Brent Paraiso’s foot was stepped on during a tune-up against Blackwater and a vein popped. He may be out for the conference. Rookies Mark Nonoy and CJ Catapusan are obligated to finish their MPBL contracts which expire Sept. 24.

“Hirap kami sa point guard,” said Cardel. “Si Mark sana makakatulong pero ayaw bigyan siya at CJ ng release. Si Stanley (Pringle) at Juami (Tiongson) playing point ngayon. Sabi ni CStan (Christian Standhardinger), OK kung ‘di ko siya gamitin to give the young guys a chance. Pero we need him. He’s only 35, kaya pa niya. His contract expires Nov. 30. Mabait si CStan, he wants to win. With Hester, CStan plays five kaya mahigpit sa ilalim. Better kung si Edwards who plays five so CStan can play four.”

Terrafirma went to the quarters last conference then underwent a major revamp. Javi Gomez de Liaño signed a two-year contract in the Korean league with a monthly salary equivalent to P800,000. “Maayos ang usapan namin ni Javi,” said Cardel. “Nagpaalam at iipon muna siya para sa pamilya.”