Stephen Holt will carry the burden of turning around the Terrafirma Dyip.
Stephen Holt, at 31 years old, is arguably the most fully developed rookie the PBA has ever seen.
The top pick from this year's draft has played for more than 10 professional teams before deciding to enter the PBA. He has experience from the NBL to Europe.
With an already successful and established career abroad, what made the Fil-Am guard shift to the Philippines? Turns out, it all boils down to a simple yet very crucial document.
"I think the opportunity arises this summer for me to get my passport, and up until this point the only way I can play in the PBA was slide in as an import," Holt said in an interview on One Ph's Power and Play.
"Once I got that passport it's kinda like, 'Hey let's jump ship.' I've been playing in Europe my whole career. I see this as a new challenge and new opportunity."
Holt said he's had his eyes set on playing in the Philippines ever since he was young. The 6-foot-4 hooper has his Filipino roots traced in Pampanga.
'When I started this whole basketball journey, to get at least one season in the Philippines was my goal. Now that I'm actually here, it's a privilege for me and I can't explain that I finally have my passport and be here and compete and to show what I'm about on and off the court. I just can't wait to compete and hopefully have a successful season."
Since joining the league in 2014, the Terrafirma Dyip franchise has only one winning conference and has entered the playoffs once. Holt will be a vital key in changing that trend.
"Just the mental belief that we can compete with any team in the league. It starts every day in practice. I really like our attitude. We just have to stack little wins," Holt said.
"I'm just trying to show leadership as I can even though I'm deemed a rookie, I'm definitely not a rookie with my experience and the coaches know that and my teammates know that. They know what I'm about, I'm a hard worker, a good teammate, just wanna win so hopefully I can bring that into this group."
With his experience and mentality, Holt might just be the guy Terrafirma needs to build a winning culture. Unless he gets traded away.