CHICAGO - If you're groping to find the words to describe a joy killer in an otherwise entertaining PBA Philippine Cup Finals, try this.
Terrafirma Dyip.
At halftime of Game 3 on Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum, PBA ommissioner Willie Marcial announced that the franchise, a synonym for losing and managerial incompetence, will return in Season 50 after its planned sale to the Zamboanga Valientes fell through.
READ Terrafirma staying in PBA next season, says Marcial
What a gut punch. What a way to not start a weekend. And what have PBA fans done to deserve this?
In fairness to Marcial, his voice somewhat quivered as if his lips were reluctant to utter the words "Ang Terrafirma ay patuloy pa rin na sasali sa atin."
The possibility of regurgitating Terrafirma from the league via a sale or disbandment, had brought excitement to a fan base clamoring for change. That happiness is now eclipsed by a sadness akin to being forced back into a toxic relationship.
IN THIS CASE, HAVING 11 PBA TEAMS IS BETTER THAN 12.
If it was any consolation, PBA legal counsel Ogie Narvasa said that Terrafirma team governor Bobby Rosales assured the board that the Dyip "have plans to beef up their lineup."
However, it's up to you to believe that. Or not. Terrafirma is an expert in talent loss, not talent gain.
For years, the hapless, hopeless organization has been a revolving door for top picks and elite talents, including Stephen Holt and Isaac Go, who were traded to Ginebrra for C-Stan and Stanley Pringle who are no longer with the team, which essentially meant the Dyip just gave away a pair of diamonds for nothing.
And now this team claims it's beefing up.
Like I've said so many times before, I was born yesterday, but not last night.
According to the panel broadcasting Friday's Game 3, "Terrafirma has the No.1 pick."
Chalk that up as another asset that will be squandered if not traded outright.
Last July, Terrafirma packaged its No.3 draft pick to Ginebra, which parlayed that selection into RJ Abarrientos. Long before that, the Dyip had also shed themselves from talents such as Joshua Munzon, CJ Perez, Roosevelt Adams, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Jeremiah Gray.
Despite its repeated inability to nurture top talents and make the franchise competitive, the PBA is again allowing Terrafirma to be the custodian of this upcoming draft's biggest catch.
How insane is that?
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