Cabagnot back to lead Dyip

MANILA, Philippines — Terrafirma head coach Johnedel Cardel said yesterday he’s confident of the Dyip’s chances to make it to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals with Alex Cabagnot’s return, import Lester Prosper’s comeback and the growing maturity of the troops. “Our goal is to qualify for the playoffs,” said Cardel. “We were hit by injuries last conference but even with Ed (Daquioag) and Isaac (Go) out until next year, we’re optimistic. Alex is playing like he’s not 39, parang ‘di galing sa injury at eight-month layoff and Lester has unfinished business.”

Prosper, 33, was brought in by Columbian, now Terrafirma, as Kyle Barone’s replacement in the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup and averaged 33.6 points and 16.9 rebounds in seven outings. He led the team to wins over San Miguel Beer and Phoenix. “Malaki ang utang na loob ni Lester sa management kasi first contract niya sa PBA opened the doors for more opportunities, including joining Indonesia as a naturalized player,” said Cardel. “Ngayon, totally siya ang piniling import from the start. Iba siya from 2019, he’s stronger, quicker, more agile and in super shape. He shoots a high percentage from three at sumasabay sa running game namin. Vocal siya sa practice, madaldal at maingay. Alam niya ang larong Pinoy, no need to adjust.”

Dating back to the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup, Terrafirma has now lost 16 in a row. It’s a streak that Cardel intends to break. So far, Terrafirma has faced NorthPort and Phoenix in tuneup games, losing to the Batang Pier by two in a tight contest and to the Fuel Masters by 15 with Aldrech Ramos, Eric Camson and JP Calvo sitting out. “Handa na kami for our first game against Converge (on Sept. 23),” said Cardel. “Our starters will be Lester, Alex, Juami (Tiongson), Aldrech and Andreas (Cahilig) with Joshua (Munzon), Javi (Gomez de Liaño), Eric, Joseph (Gabayni), Gelo (Alolino), Pao (Javelona), Allen (Mina) and the rest of the guys coming off the bench. Depending on matchups, baka mag-start din ni Joshua who has improved a lot in his shooting and defense.”

Cardel singled out rookies Gomez de Liaño and Mina as key contributors. “Allen plays both offense and defense,” he said. “Javi will be a big factor, playing three or four and is a tough matchup. We’ll be a run-and-gun team like Phoenix and Magnolia and with Alex and Lester leading us, we’ll be competitive. Boss Bobby (PBA vice chairman and Terrafirma governor Bobby Rosales) challenged us to make the playoffs and we’ll do our best not to let him down.”