IF he goes on to win the Rookie of the Year award, Stephen Holt stressed it speaks more of the success Terrafirma achieved as a group last season than him being the best newcomer in the PBA.
The 32-year-old Fil-Am cited the gains earned by the Dyip Season 48 which paved the way for him to lead the race for the top rookie of the year.
“I think for me the team’s success is what highlighted this individual award. What we’re able to accomplish last season was all the hard work and dedication from the top down, coaching staff, management, ball boys, and obviously the players,” said Holt.
“It’s an individual award, but for me it’s a team where I couldn’t have done about without my teammates, the way we bounced back in the first conference I think speaks for itself.”
Holt was the no. 1 overall pick of the Dyip last season following an extensive experience of playing overseas including a stint with the Canton Charge in the NBA G League.
He had a low start in the Commissioner’s Cup which saw the team finished 10th overall with a 2-9 record.
But when he finally got into the rhythm and began to blend well with teammates Juami Tiongson, Isaac Go, Javi Gomez De Liano, Andreas Cahilig, and Aldrech Ramos, the Dyip transformed into a playoff contender team, which eventually barged into the quarterfinals during the Philippine Cup.
As the eighth seeded team, Terrafirma stretched San Miguel to the limit before losing in their deciding do-or-die encounter for a seat in the semifinals, 110-91.
Despite the exit, Holt was naturally proud of that moment as the Dyip made the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 Governors’ Cup.
“We were able to accomplish a lot last season. We’re able to build something special over there (Terrafirma),” he said.
Holt eventually ended the season miles ahead in the Rookie of the Year race, amassing a total of 34.1 statistical points behind averages of 17.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
The native of Portland Oregon is already a cinch for the award as his closest competitor in Northport’s Cade Flores is a far second in the standings with 23.3sps. The Arellano University product led all freshmen in rebounding with 7.2 boards, while averaging 9.3 points per outing.
“That’s what I’m all about. I’m here to win, I proved that last season by taking Terrafirma to the playoffs,” said Holt. “I’m just glad I am in that conversation of being Rookie of the Year, and hopefully I could win.”
Holt's stint with Terrafirma proved to be just for a season as he was later traded to Barangay Ginebra along with Isaac Go, and the no. 3 overall pick in the draft for the duo of Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle, and the no. 10 draft selection.
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