The Terrafirma Dyip want to reinvent themselves as a competitive franchise, and a 3-0 start in the Season 50 Commissioner's Cup is a step in the right direction.
With his Terrefirma teammates behind him, Paolo Hernandez did the post-game interview a the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday, March 18.
The Dyip cheered him on as he emerged as Player of the Game in their 99-88 win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
For the interview, Hernandez said it was that same type of bonding which helped them race off to an early 3-0 mark in the mid-season joust.
“Yung samahan namin,” he said when asked what has gone right for the team.
“Sa mga leaders namin (nagsimula). Sila kuya Mav (Ahanmisi), Kuya Joseph (Eriobu), Kuya Jerrick (Ahanmisi). Dun kasi makikita samahan,” he added.
Hernandez got it going early, chipping in 10 points in the first period where the Dyip outgunned the Bossing, 33-15. While Blackwater retaliated in the second period, Terrafirma regained control late in the second period and sustained it until the final horn.
Hernandez ended up with an all-around game of 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Import Ali Mubashar followed up a monstrous 50-point outing against Converge with 22 points and 26 rebounds this time, while Jerrick Ahanmisi fired 18 points.
For Blackwater, Sedrick Barefield led the way with 25 points.
But back to Terrafirma, Hernandez and the rest of the team are bent on keeping this good start going in hopes of changing the culture and turning the Dyip from a league doormat into a competitive squad.
“Gusto namin ibahin culture. For the past conferences talagang sobrang down kami. Madaming issue na nangyari,” said Hernandez.
“With the help of coach Ronald and the coaching staff and management, binuo kami as a team. We’re 3-0 na so hopefully maituloy namin.”
Terrafirma vs Blackwater Scores:
TERRAFIRMA 99 – Ali 22, Hernandez 20, J.Ahanmisi 18, Eriobu 12, M.Ahanmisi 10, Bravo 7, Chiu 7, Zaldivar 3, Umali 0
BLACKWATER 88 – Barefield 25, Ochefu 11, Andrade 10, Ilagan 9, Mendoza 8, Tratter 7, Una 6, David 5, Panopio 4, Escoto 3, Guinto 0, Mallilin 0, Jopia 0, Murrell 0
Quarterscores: 33-15, 50-49, 75-66, 99-88
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.