The PBA on Friday approved a deal that sends Kemark Cariño from the Terrafirma Dyip to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in exchange for Ben Adamos. It’s the latest transaction in the big league ahead of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, and it could potentially make the midseason tourney even more compelling.
Ginebra Gets Bigger, Younger
One of Ginebra’s glaring weaknesses in the past few conferences has been its dearth of bigs, with only Japeth Aguilar and Troy Rosario alternating at the five most times. This lack of a center was most evident in the last two PBA Philippine Cups, where Ginebra just didn’t have an answer for June Mar Fajardo.
Enter Kemark Cariño, a 6-foot-8 beanpole who can slot right in as Ginebra’s third big behind Aguilar and Rosario. The 13th overall pick of the Season 48 PBA Draft by Terrafirma, the former San Beda Red Lion owns career averages of 6.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 19.1 minutes and was named to the PBA All-Defensive Team in his rookie season. This underscores the 28-year-old’s potential as a rebounder and defensive anchor.
There is, however, a slight complication, as Kemark Cariño is coming off ACL reconstruction after injuring his knee in May 2025, and this could potentially delay his debut for Ginebra.
Terrafirma Gets Young Vet Still Figuring It Out
Like Ginebra, Terrafirma needed a big, and it traded one to get one. The problem is the Dyip let go of a 6-foot-8, 28-year-old center to get a 6-foot-6, 30-year-old power forward. What’s more, they got someone who hasn’t carved out a role just yet in his five-year career so far.
Even so, Adamos is a mobile big who works hard, is willing to get physical, and has a decent shot from midrange. He is also, by all means, a high-character guy who could bring some much-needed veteran leadership to Terrafirma. It’s just that he doesn’t have the upside of a Kemark Cariño.
Grade the Trade
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel: B–
Ginebra shot two birds with one stone in getting Kemark Cariño: It got size, and it got younger. However, in the interim, the barangay gets only a B– because a lot is still unknown about the ex-Bedan’s fitness. But given the flashes of potential Cariño has shown already, this trade could shape up to be a game-changer for Ginebra in the long run.
Terrafirma Dyip: D+
The Dyip may have given up too early on Cariño—and they certainly sold very low on him. Nothing against Adamos, but he’s at best a ninth or tenth guy, while Cariño is a rotation piece at worst. Of course, Adamos could very well turn out to be a solid big for Terrafirma, though he hasn’t shown he’s got that in him thus far.
