December 22, 2024

PBA: Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel hopeful he can keep, bolster current lineup for next season

PBA: Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel hopeful he can keep, bolster current lineup for next season
Coach Johnedel Cardel and his Terrafirma squad have a lot of positive takeaways in their PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup campaign. | Photo (c) PBA

It is an understatement to say Terrafirma overachieved in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.

Apart from reaching five wins for the first time under coach Johnedel Cardel who took the post in 2018, the Dyip kept writing history as they took the franchise's first ever playoff win against the mighty, twice-to-beat-armed San Miguel before falling short in the sudden death.

[WATCH: PBA Game Highlights: No. 8 Terrafirma stuns top seed San Miguel for first ever playoff win]

The Beermen did not allow Terrafirma to add another page to their Cinderella story, retaliating, 110-91, on Wednesday, May 15, to finally barge into the semifinals where they will tangle with Rain or Shine.

[WATCH: PBA Game Highlights: San Miguel halts Terrafirma, books semis seat]

But with super rookie Stephen Holt, ace Juami Tiongson and big man Isaac Go leading the charge, it is not a stretch to say that the Dyip can achieve more than a playoff appearance in the years to come.

Not a few fans and pundits, though, pose the most important question, given the franchise’s history of sending away top picks like CJ Perez: Can they keep this lineup?

If it were up to the Terrafirma mentor, he would keep – and add only a few more pieces  to the current lineup to make his team a contender.

 

[ALSO READ: PBA: Terrafirma big man Isaac Go embraces challenge of facing San Miguel's 7-time MVP June Mar Fajardo]

“Of course, of course, maganda na 'yung team, ['yung] takbo ng team na 'to. Dadagdagan na lang 'to para maging stable at saka ma-maintain namin kung ano 'yung performance namin nitong all-Filipino,” Cardel said when asked if he wants to keep this lineup.

“Kasi, All-Filipino pa rin tayo right? Kung ano lang 'yung kulang namin 'yun ang dapat [punuan]. This coming All-Filipino, kailangang maging pulido kami.”

[ALSO READ: PBA: TNT coach Chot Reyes lauds his wards' gallant stand despite injury woes in quarters loss to Rain or Shine]

It is not yet clear what the Dyip's plans are for the upcoming draft. But Cardel could say for sure he is looking for a talent that could help relieve the burden from Holt and Tiongson.

“Maybe five, another point guard na malaki para makapagpahinga si Holt and si Juami, or maybe another shooter,” he said.

We use cookies to ensure you the best experience on our website. For more information, click FIND OUT MORE.