January 05, 2025

PBA Commissioner’s Cup refresher: Terrafirma, Blackwater, Phoenix, NLEX hope for better 2025

PBA Commissioner’s Cup refresher: Terrafirma, Blackwater, Phoenix, NLEX hope for better 2025
Terrafirma, Blackwater, Phoenix, and NLEX are hopeful the narrative will change in 2025. | Photo (c) PBA and RM Chua/One Sports

A win remains elusive for the Terrafirma Dyip, Blackwater Bossing, Phoenix Fuel Masters, and NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.

[RELATED STORY: PBA Commissioner’s Cup refresher: Dark horses Rain or Shine, Converge, NorthPort pose threat]

But after a lengthy Christmas break, it’s safe to assume they have already figured how to prop up their sagging fortunes, right?

Before they plunge into action this 2025, check out this refresher.

[ALSO READ: PBA Commissioner's Cup refresher: Championship contenders still figuring things out]


Terrafirma Dyip (0-7)

Terrafirma simply could not catch a break.

The conference started with Christian Standhardinger deciding to retire from the PBA and Terrence Romeo still recovering from an injury.

[ALSO READ: Bring it on, 2025: Vic Manuel has family as priority, counts more playing time as blessing]

Without them, the Dyip leaned heavily on newly-acquired Vic Manuel, who suited up in all but one game and averaged 16.83 points, 4.17 rebounds, and 1.83 assists.

In a previous interview, Manuel is hopeful Romeo would finally be able to see action this year in hopes of turning things around.

[ALSO READ: Vic Manuel, Terrafirma head to Christmas break winless: 'Hindi ako sanay’]

Terrafirma will open 2025 against Phoenix on January 7 at the PhilSports Arena.


Blackwater Bossing (1-5)

When the Blackwater checked its skid with a 114-98 win over Meralco last December 12, there were hopes that would start a string of wins for the Bossing.

It was not.

The Bossing went on to drop their matches against San Miguel and TNT and continued searching for answers in a conference that lifted to ceiling on imports.

[ALSO READ: NorthPort import Kadeem Jack shared how former Converge reinforcement told him about PBA]

Though George King continues to provide eye-popping figures with 37.17 points per outing, his stellar outings only go for naught.

Blackwater will face Rain or Shine on January 8 at the PhilSports Arena.


Phoenix Fuel Masters (1-5)

After scoring a breakthrough win against surging NorthPort, Phoenix is mired in the cellar once again.

Before the Chirstmas break, the Fuel Masters challenged streaking Converge but ultimately fell short, 116-105 last December 19.

Will the lengthy break help them get their bearings going?

[ALSO READ: Goodbye 2024, hello 2025: LA Tenorio values blessings, learnings of every day]

Phoenix will take on Terrafirma on January 7 at the PhilSports Arena.


NLEX Road Warriors (3-4)

Initially, NLEX looked like it was bound to have an impressive conference with a 3-1 start.

But what followed was a string of disappointing losses, the last of which at the hands of Magnolia last December 21 at the PhilSports Arena.

This despite import Mike Watkins averaging an impressive 25.43 points and 24.14 rebounds and Robert Bolick norming 24.14 points, 3.14 rebounds, 7.86 assists, and 1.14 steals.

[ALSO READ: Fan favorite Kyt Jimenez reflects on PBA journey, grateful for opportunity with San Miguel]

NLEX will battle sister team Meralco on January 10 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

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