(PBA image)
Both Terrafirma and Titan Ultra enter the PBA Commissioner’s Cup looking to turn the page on disappointing starts to Season 50 when they square off Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in the tournament’s curtain-raiser.
For the Giant Risers, the midseason conference represents a chance to build on their first campaign in the league after officially taking over the former NorthPort franchise last October. Titan Ultra finished the Philippine Cup with a modest 4-7 win-loss record, but the team believes roster adjustments and a stronger chemistry could help them climb higher in the standings.
Terrafirma, meanwhile, faces a steeper challenge after managing just a single victory in 11 games during the season-opening conference under a revamped coaching staff led by Ronald Tubid. Despite the struggles, Tubid remains optimistic that his young squad is gradually finding its rhythm.
“Process pa rin pero medyo mas adjusted na ang mga bata sa sistema na inilagay namin,” Tubid said, expressing confidence that the team is becoming more comfortable with the system.
“Siguro naman magiging mas steady na kami this time, lalo na sa endgame, para ma-hit namin ‘yung immediate target naming more than one win. Sana,” he added.
Both teams reshuffled their lineups following their early exits from the Philippine Cup, with roster moves expected to play a key role in shaping their Commissioner’s Cup campaigns.
Titan Ultra made one of the biggest moves when Calvin Abueva—who emerged as the team’s top performer in the previous conference—was traded to Converge in exchange for King Caralipio, Mark Omega, and Rey Suerte, though reports indicate Suerte may have been waived.
Joining new head coach Rensy Bajar and veterans Joshua Munzon, Von Pessumal, and Cade Flores in the Giant Risers’ lineup are fresh additions CJ Austria, Mark Sangco, and Bryan Sajonia, all eager to make their mark in the midseason tournament.
Terrafirma counters with its own new pieces, headlined by top overall rookie pick Geo Chiu, the towering 6-foot-10 center expected to bolster the Dyip’s frontline. The team also acquired Ben Adamos from Barangay Ginebra in exchange for Kenmark Carino as part of its roster overhaul.
Ultimately, the outcome of the matchup—and perhaps the trajectory of both teams’ campaigns—could hinge on the performance of their imports.
Titan Ultra will lean on 6-foot-10 American-Belgian big man Michael Gilmore, a 31-year-old veteran with experience across Europe, Asia, and the NBA G League known for his versatility in the paint.
Terrafirma, on the other hand, will rely on Mubashar Ali, a 28-year-old who previously played professionally in Turkey with Ankaragucu Mamak, in Finland with KTP Basket, and in Georgia with Iverioni. Tubid believes Ali’s mobility and two-way ability will fit well with the Dyip’s up-tempo style.
With new faces, new imports, and renewed ambitions, both teams step onto the court hoping the Commissioner’s Cup marks the start of a turnaround season.
