Here comes Holt in PBA debut

MANILA, Philippines — Will the upgraded Terrafirma team make a jolt with fancied rookie Stephen Holt and other new recruits?

The Dyip, who ended the previous conference on a seven-game skid and 2-9 overall, see better days ahead in the PBA Season 48 wars with the arrival of Holt, a 6-foot-4 guard with experience in the NBA G-League and Euro Leagues, together with promising new recruits Kenmark Carino, Taylor Miller and Tommy Olivario.

Coach John Cardel said the newbies and Belgian import Thomas De Thaey have been blending well with Dyip holdovers like Juami Tiongson, Eric Camson, Aldrich Ramos and Isaac Go.

“Sa pina-practice naman namin enough na dahilan para maging positive kami. Medyo pulido na kami. We have a good import, iyong mga bagong players at home na, alam na nila mga dapat nilang gawin,” said Cardel, whose charges take their first test today in their Commissioner’s Cup launch against dangerous NorthPort.

The Dyip and the Batang Pier open hostilities on the third day of the young season at 4 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NLEX and its highly-touted import Thomas Robinson and Phoenix, bannered by fellow NBA vet Jonathan Williams III, clash in a livewire encounter at 8 p.m.

Much attention is on the 32-year-old Holt, who debuts on Philippine soil after a stellar stint overseas.

“Rookie veteran ito,” said Cardel of Holt. “Sa mga tuneup games namin, practices, hindi ko nakikitang na-pe-pressure siya. Hindi siya matakaw sa puntos, team player and he wants to get all his teammates involved. Pero kapag kailangang umiskor titira.”

Minus last season’s top scorer Robert Bolick, the Batang Pier pin their hopes on Australian Venky Jois, Arvin Tolentino, Josh Munzon, JM Calma and greenhorns Cade Flores, Brent Paraiso, John Amores and Fran Yu.

Meanwhile, the day finally comes for NLEX’ Robinson, Sacramento’s fifth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, to see action in the PBA. He was supposed to reinforce San Miguel Beer last year but a back injury prevented him from doing so.