Don’t look now, but the once-sorry franchise that is the Terrafirma Dyip is now 3-0 and is sitting atop the PBA Commissioner’s Cup standings.
This came after the Dyip overcame the Blackwater Bossing, 99-88, on Wednesday in a battle of two perennial cellar-dwellers. But, of the two, it looks like it’s Terrafirma that’s beginning to see the proverbial light—and it’s thanks in part to the veteran leadership of Dyip newcomers Maverick Ahanmisi, Jerrick Ahanmisi, and Joseph Eriobu.
Changing the Culture at Terrafirma
Notably, the Dyip are displaying a palpable togetherness, particularly on the court. They’ve even followed the Oklahoma City Thunder tradition of hanging around during end-of-game Player-of-the-Game interviews, like a band of brothers excited for the success of one of their own. It’s a tradition that, according to Hernandez, began with the team’s veteran leaders, who are also seemingly changing the culture at Terrafirma.
“Sa mga leader namin, sina Kuya Mav Ahanmisi, sina Joseph Eriobu, sina Kuya Jerrick Ahanmisi. Dun makikita kasi ‘yung samahan,” Hernandez said of the origins of Terrafirma’s postgame celebration.
While the Dyip are having fun, they’re also focused on the real goal: to facilitate a long-needed culture change within a franchise so used to losing.
“Gusto namin ibahin ‘yung culture kasi for the past conferences, sobrang down kami and maraming issue na nangyari,” Hernandez added. “May mga players na nawala, may mga players na pumalit. With the help of Coach Ronald, the coaching staff, and the management, binuo kami as a team.”
Ahanmisi Bros, Eriobu Playing Crucial Part in Culture Change
Terrafirma coach Ronald Tubid agrees, noting how the Ahanmisi brothers and Eriobu—acquired in separate deals with the Magnolia Hotshots and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel—have been instrumental in turning things around for the Dyip so far.
“Very important ‘yun [veteran presence] kasi may magga-guide sa mga young players. Makikita mo naman pag crucial, andun sila. Pag crucial, dun sila, sila nagli-lead, so very crucial sa ’min na dumating ’yung mga players na ’yun,” Tubid stressed.
Those veterans have been producing, too, combining for 40 big points against Blackwater to go along with 12 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals.
Of course, a 3-0 start doesn’t necessarily mean Terrafirma is
