Coach John Cardel hopes Terrafirma's blazing streak paves way for playoff return

Terrafirma head coach John Cardel is trying not looking too far ahead but the Dyip’s current hot streak is sparking hopes of a return to the playoffs for the franchise.

The Dyip are currently on a tear, having won three straight victories in the PBA Philippine Cup, with two of those coming against powerhouse clubs like San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra, to move up to seventh place with a 3-4 win-loss card.

In the absence of the injured Joshua Munzon, the No. 1 overall pick of the Season 46 rookie draft, Cardel said they’re taking everything one game at a time, though he revealed that they are eyeing to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

"We are just taking every game with the same amount of mindset as the other games," Cardel said in Filipino in an interview with GMA News Online.

"Yes, we want to reach the playoffs, and of course, the finals, but when we're playing each game, we're not thinking about that. I hope this streak will run all the way to the playoffs."

Since Terrafirma's (then known as Kia) inception in 2014, the franchise reached the playoffs only once when it faced twice-to-beat Meralco in the 2016 Governors' Cup quarterfinals round. It failed to earn a semifinals berth after the Bolts eliminated them in one game, 105-82.

Since then, Terrafirma never made the playoffs round again, finishing at the cellar in nearly every conference.

This time, though, Cardel believes they have a good mix of chemistry and talent, a recipe that could serve them well in the conference.

"Actually, we did nothing special during the off-season and the break but I think, in this semi-bubble setup we formed a chemistry that helped us during the games," the 51-year-old Cardel shared. "The players and coaches got to know more about one another and that really is a big factor in this conference."

Terrafirma is currently led by Juami Tiongson, who averages 17.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in seven games so far while Aldrech Ramos puts up averages of 13.3 markers, 6.1 boards, and an assist per game.

Munzon, although already ruled out for the rest of the conference, averaged 11.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in three outings. Former top overall pick Roosevelt Adams missed two games but was able to return in their recent clash against Blackwater.

Aside from these key players, Terrafirma also gets boosts from Rashawn McCarthy, Eric Camson, Andreas Cahilig, and Reden Celda.

"To be honest, I was also surprised that we're able to do this without our top players so how much more if Joshua returns and Roosevelt regains his top shape," Cardel said.

"I have to give credit to these guys because they do not get intimidated by big teams like Ginebra and SMB. And we're hoping we can continue this."

—JMB, GMA News