The upcoming clash between Titan Ultra’s Giant Risers and the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday marks one of the opening games of the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Both teams enter the new conference with the same objective—improving on their disappointing performances during the season-opening Philippine Cup.
Although both squads struggled previously, the matchup represents an opportunity to reset and prove that offseason adjustments can lead to a better campaign.
Titan Ultra Seeks Improvement After Decent Debut
Titan Ultra’s Giant Risers are still relatively new to the league after officially taking over the former NorthPort Batang Pier franchise in October of last year. During their first conference in the Philippine Cup, the team posted a modest 4–7 win-loss record, a result that fell short of playoff contention but still showed glimpses of competitiveness.
Heading into the Commissioner’s Cup, Titan Ultra hopes to build on that foundation. The team made several roster adjustments and brought in fresh faces to strengthen the lineup. New head coach Rensy Bajar will guide the squad alongside experienced players such as Joshua Munzon, Von Pessumal, and Cade Flores.
The team also welcomed new additions including CJ Austria, Mark Sangco, Bryan Sajonia, and trade acquisition King Caralipio. Meanwhile, fan favorite Calvin Abueva—who had a strong resurgence in the Philippine Cup—was traded to the Converge FiberXers in exchange for Caralipio, Mark Omega, and Rey Suerte, although reports indicate Suerte may have been waived.
Terrafirma Faces a Tougher Challenge
On the other side, the Terrafirma Dyip face a much bigger challenge heading into the new conference. The team endured a difficult Philippine Cup campaign, managing only one win in 11 games despite undergoing a significant coaching overhaul led by head coach Ronald Tubid.
Tubid, however, remains optimistic that the team has grown more comfortable with his system. According to him, the players are gradually adjusting and developing better chemistry. He hopes that this improved familiarity with the system will help the team become more consistent—especially in crucial late-game situations.
Their immediate goal is simple but realistic: surpass the single victory they managed in the previous conference.
Key Roster Additions for Terrafirma
Terrafirma will also showcase several new players as they attempt to strengthen their lineup. One of the most notable additions is Geo Chiu, the top overall pick in the most recent Rookie Draft, who is expected to provide size and presence in the paint.
Another addition is Ben Adamos, acquired from the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in exchange for Kenmark Carino. These moves signal the Dyip’s intention to rebuild and become more competitive this conference.
Imports Expected to Play a Crucial Role
As with many Commissioner’s Cup campaigns, the performance of each team’s import will likely play a major role in determining success.
Titan Ultra will rely on Michael Gilmore, a 6-foot-10 American-Belgian forward with professional experience across Europe, Asia, and the NBA G League. Known for his versatility and inside presence, Gilmore is expected to provide scoring, rebounding, and defensive stability.
Meanwhile, Terrafirma will turn to Mubashar Ali, a 28-year-old import who has played professionally in Turkey, Finland, and Georgia. Coach Tubid believes Ali’s ability to run the floor and contribute on both offense and defense fits well with the team’s fast-paced style.
A Fresh Opportunity for Both Teams
With both teams missing the playoffs in the previous conference, the opening game of the Commissioner’s Cup offers a fresh opportunity to start strong. The matchup will test how well each squad’s offseason changes—from roster moves to coaching adjustments—translate into results on the court.
For Titan Ultra, the focus is on building momentum and pushing for a playoff spot. For Terrafirma, the mission is to prove that the team can finally turn improvement into victories.
