Is Terrafirma for real?

In each of the last four PBA conferences, Terrafirma never won more than a game. Last season, the Dyip went 3-30 and in the previous Philippine Cup, the record was 1-10. So jumping to a 2-0 start this Commissioner’s Cup is an unexpected boost with Aljon Mariano, Brent Paraiso, Mark Nonoy and Louie Sangalang missing in action.

The coaching combination of head tactician Ronald Tubid and assistant Jeff Napa with inputs from Terrafirma PBA governor Pido Jarencio is so far working wonders. Now comes the challenge of going 3-0 with Blackwater the obstacle in today’s first game of a doubleheader at the Ynares Center, Antipolo.

Sangalang’s contract has expired but Terrafirma retains his rights as a restricted free agent. Is he serving a quiet suspension? Nonoy has not reported back to practice since ending last conference despite a live contract that lapses in December. He’s reached out to his agent Marvin Espiritu to reconcile with Terrafirma management but his future is still up in the air. Apparently, Nonoy intimated that he’s been in depression because of family problems but hopes to get his life back on track. Both Sangalang and Nonoy averaged in double figure points last conference. Mariano is nursing a foot injury while Paraiso, recovering from a knee issue, may be ready to play today.

Bolstering Terrafirma’s stock is 7-foot import Mubashar Ali who delivered 50 points and 25 rebounds in the 111-100 OT win over Converge at Ynares Montalban last Saturday. Converge was blanked the entire five-minute extension as Terrafirma rampaged down the stretch. Ali, 29, was a bust in two seasons at Southern University in US NCAA D1, averaging 2.6 points in 24 games in 2017-18 and 4.0 points in two games the next year. He moved to Florida Memorial University in NAIA and on his third season, averaged 6.1 points. Ali went on to see action in his home country Finland, Qatar, Italy and Georgia before joining Terrafirma. In six Georgia league contests up to last November, Ali averaged 14.5 points and 9.7 rebounds with a scoring high of 22. His explosion against Converge was by far a career best.

But it’s not just Ali who’s shaking things up at Terrafirma. The Ahanmisi brothers are making waves, too. Maverick is averaging 8.5 assists and Jerrick is hitting at a 20 point clip. Paolo Hernandez is rock-steady at point guard, collecting 14 points, three rebounds and five assists a game. Then, there’s first overall draft choice Geo Chiu who’s hauling down 13.5 boards an outing. Down the roster are JM Bravo, Joseph Eriobu, rookie Shawn Umali, Didat Hanapi, Keith Zaldivar, Paul Garcia, Ben Adamos, Paraiso, Mariano and CJ Catapusan. After Blackwater, Terrafirma goes up against Phoenix at Ynares Antipolo on March 25.