Top pick Holt out to help Terrafirma make PBA playoffs

MANILA, Philippines – Stephen Holt wants to keep his professional playoff streak alive with the Terrafirma Dyip. 

Terrafirma, which placed dead-last in the PBA Philippine Cup and the Commissioner’s Cup, selected the 31-year-old Holt with the first overall pick in the PBA Draft last month. 

A well-traveled basketball player, the guard, who will turn 32 in December, had stints in the NBA G-League, National Basketball League, Liga ACB, Polish Basketball League, VTB United League, ABA League and Liga Nationala. He mentioned making the playoffs while playing for all these teams.

Holt told reporters at the PBA Media Day Tuesday that he aims to help his new team make the playoffs.

“I know this team has struggled in the past and obviously I’d love to make the playoffs. Every year in my career, so far, I’ve made the playoffs so I’m not trying to have that streak end with Terrafirma,” the 6-foot-4 guard told reporters. 

“So every day is just about working hard, coming together, and hopefully we can get some wins this season in this first conference,” he added. 

He said he aims to bring his experience overseas to the PBA. 

Holt is expected to be one of the main cogs for Terrafirma. 

For his part, the PBA rookie’s backcourt partner, Juami Tiongson said he also eyes to make the playoffs.

“All throughout my stay with Terrafirma, we always came close [in making the playoffs]. I guess, our goal collectively is to make it to six wins and then make it to quarterfinals and see what happens from there,” Tiongson said in a mix of English and Filipino. 

He added that the team’s rookies also provide much-needed help for the team.

“Our new guys, especially Holt, Taylor Miller and Kemark Carino, are big help,” Tiongson said. 

Miller and Carino were taken by Terrafirma with the 12th and 13th overall picks, respectively.