THE situation at Terrafirma does not look good.
With its season over, there are signs that Terrafirma's existence might also be over after it was revealed that the contracts of more than half of its roster may not be renewed.
Terrafirma ended its season on a high note when it walloped Titan Ultra, 149-117, last Saturday in a happy conclusion to its 50th Season outing.
But the joy was tempered by reports that many players may soon lose their jobs when more than half of the team players reportedly failed to get assurances that their contracts will be renewed.
READ Unrestricted free agent Maverick Ahanmisi open to all options
Sources told SPIN.ph that only three players have live contracts with the franchise going to the next season namely, Juami Tiongson, Chris Miller, and top rookie pick Geo Chiu.
Aljon Mariano still has an existing contract, but it will expire by the end of December.
The rest of the team, including veteran free agent Maverick Ahanmisi, all had contracts but those were good only at the end of the season.
“Tatlong players lang ang may contract sa amin until next year,” said a source privy to the situation.
Ahanmisi is actually an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team that picks him up for next season. He had that privilege when his contract with Converge expired in 2023, allowing him to freely negotiate. He signed with Barangay Ginebra with the Gin Kings not giving up any player.
The veteran guard however, was traded by Ginebra following the season-opening Philippine Cup – along with Mariano – to Terrafirma for the Dyip’s first-round pick in the coming rookie draft.
Of course, that deal did not sit well with some teams and many observers who thought Ginebra got away with more than it offered.
With no indication on whether Terrafirma will stay as a PBA member, the fate of many players remains uncertain. These include serviceable players such as Joseph Eriobu, Brent Paraiso, Didat Hanapi, CJ Catapusan, and rookies Shawn Umali and JM Bravo.
And then there’s Ben Adamos, Paul Garcia, and Keith Zaldivar.
There’s also no new development on the supposed sale of the Terrafirma franchise after an aborted deal initially, with the Starhorse Shipping Line and the Zamboanga Valientes last year.
The team remains for sale, according to sources. But whether there will be interested buyers this time, no one knows.
At current market value, a PBA franchise could cost as much as P200 million minimum.- Gerry Ramos
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