PBA: Terrafirma coaches’ trust pays off after big win over NLEX

Terrafirma guard drives to the basket during a game against NLEX in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Brent Paraiso did more than just play a key role in Terrafirma’s upset win over NLEX in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Paraiso contributed 18 points, including a go-ahead layup off a foul in the final minute that broke a tie and eventually helped the Dyip pull off a 114-109 victory that ended the Road Warriors’ unbeaten run.

During one huddle, Paraiso was seen sitting on the coach’s chair and calling the shots on what he and the rest of Terrafirma would like to run after the timeout.

“[Assistant coach Jaren Jarencio] instructed us point guards to run our plays,” Paraiso said. “For us, it’s like one of our ways to jell as a team.

“The coaches are very open to any of our suggestions. It’s like they put a lot of trust in us during the game,” added Paraiso.

READ: PBA: Tiongson, Terrafirma regain confidence with OT win

Behind Paraiso, as well as import Justin Strings, Juami Tiongson and Maverick Ahanmisi, the Dyip were able to go 3-3 after starting the second round of the group stage on a bright note.

That put Terrafirma in a tie for fourth in Group A with struggling Converge, which it will face on Tuesday.

“The coaches are instilling a lot of good things by changing the culture of the team which is to fight until the end,” Paraiso said.