Columbian aims for Final Four

MANILA, Philippines — Columbian governor Bobby Rosales said yesterday the Dyip is shooting for a Final Four finish in the PBA Philippine Cup starting Sunday with the league’s leading scorer CJ Perez getting a boost from rookie teammate Roosevelt Adams in an explosive 1-2 punch.

Although Columbian has never made it to the semifinals since entering the pros in 2014-15, Rosales said a breakthrough is just around the corner. Last season, Columbian posted an 11-22 record, finishing 4-7 in the Philippine and Governors Cups and 3-8 in the Commissioner’s Cup. The Dyip defeated San Miguel Beer, NorthPort and Phoenix twice each during the campaign. Of its 22 losses, nine were by six points or less. It was Columbian’s best record in three years as the Dyip registered back-to-back 6-27 records the previous two seasons.

Rosales said he’s pinning his hopes on coach Johnedel Cardel. “He’s not the most experienced coach but he’s one of the most promising young coaches,” said Rosales. “Cardel is an excellent game coach. He reads situations very well and makes the right adjustments. He can still improve in communicating with the players on how they prepare for a game at practice. There are some coaches who are good in practice but not in the game. It’s the other way around for Cardel. Actually, it’s better to be a good game coach because learning how to be a good practice coach is easier to do.”

In Cardel’s staff are Hubert de los Santos as lead assistant, veteran Art de la Cruz, Emerson Colina and Raymond Tiongco. Team manager is the legendary Joe Lipa. 

In the draft last December, Columbian had the first pick in both the special Gilas round and the regular round. In the Gilas round, the Dyip picked Isaac Go and in the regular round, Adams. Columbian also chose Chris Balagasay of Letran on the first round, using San Miguel’s pick that it acquired in a trade. In the third round, Columbian selected Bonbon Batiller, also of Letran. The Dyip’s fourth round pick was Marco Balagtas.

Rosales said the combination of Perez, Adams and off-guard Rashawn McCarthy will be exciting. “Adams can play three or four,” he said. “If CJ plays three, Adams can play four and Rashawn, two. We’re deep at guard with JP Calvo, Reden Celda, Bonbon and Juami Tiongson. We’re expecting big things from Juami who’s an extremely smart leader. We’ve got role players in Eric Camson and Glenn Khobuntin. Andreas Cahilig is one of our hardest workers and he’ll also contribute. We brought in Aldrech Ramos who’s a stretch four in a trade for Jackson Corpuz.”

Rosales said Joseph Gabayni, Jeepy Faundo and rookie Chris Balagasay will alternate at the five spot. “Chris plays like Doug Kramer only he’s bulkier,” he said. “If and when Gilas releases Go, we’ll bring him in right away. He’ll give the inside presence we need.