Terrafirma sees smooth drive ahead

MANILA, Philippines — Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel said the Dyip intend to make the most of their No. 1 selection to continue to build what he envisions as a powerhouse team of the future.

With first crack at the talent-filled PBA Draft on March 14, Cardel looks for another blue-chip rookie who will complement third-year superstar CJ Perez and sophomore Roosevelt Adams, and form a triple threat.

“Kukunin namin yung best talent (We’ll select the best talent),” said Cardel, maintaining they have to choose well considering the Dyip won’t get to select again until the third round.

The pool of aspirants for the March 14 proceedings looms as one of the deepest in years with standouts from Chooks-to-Go 3x3, MPBL and the collegiate leagues expected to sign in.

“Nagbi-build talaga kami ng mga batang players. Parang magiging in the future ito, tipong Ginebra, San Miguel at TNT na tadtad ng superstars yun ngayon (We’re really developing young players to build a team of the future in the mold of Ginebra, San Miguel and TNT, which are laden with superstars now),” said Cardel.

“Yun ang ginagawa namin, nagbi-build kami ng mga bata na magiging future din sa PBA (We’re investing in the young guys for the future),” he added.

The Dyip have yet to discuss their plans for 2021, including their top prospect in the draft pool, which will only be finalized after the Jan. 27 deadline.

“Marami pa naman mangyayari. May mga trades pa dyan (A lot of things will transpire in the offseason, there will likely be trades among teams),” he said.

“Hindi pa kasi kami nagmi-meeting ng boss ko, ni Gov. Rosales. By next week, practice na kami, magkakausap kami kung ano plano ng team, kung sino dapat kunin (We still have to meet with Terrafirma governor Bobby Rosales and by next week, when we start practices, we’ll talk about our plans, which player we should pick),” he said.

There are talks in social media about a possible trade involving Perez specifically. But Cardel said the Dyip have not been approached by any team for such purpose.

“Wala pa naman (No one has initiated it),” he said.