I remember sitting courtside during Columbian Dyip's final game last season, watching their young point guard weave through defenders with that fearless energy that makes you lean forward in your seat. There's something compelling about this team that keeps drawing me back season after season, despite their consistent position at the bottom of the standings. As someone who's followed the PBA for over a decade, I've developed a soft spot for teams that embrace their underdog status rather than fighting against it. The General Santos City native doesn't mind being tagged the underdog—that quote from one of their key players has stuck with me throughout the offseason because it reveals something fundamental about this team's identity.
Looking at their recent history, the numbers tell a sobering story. Columbian Dyip finished last season with a 9-26 record, their fourth consecutive year failing to crack the .500 mark. Their defensive rating of 115.3 points per 100 possessions ranked dead last in the league, while their offensive efficiency wasn't much better at 107.8. These aren't just bad numbers—they're historically poor for a franchise that hasn't reached the playoffs since the 2016 Commissioner's Cup. Yet what the statistics don't capture is the gradual improvement I've witnessed in their young core. Rookie of the Year candidate Juan Gomez de Liano showed flashes of brilliance, averaging 14.2 points and 5.8 assists in his final 15 games. Their import from last season's Governors' Cup, Khapri Alston, put up monstrous numbers—28.7 points and 19.2 rebounds—giving them a legitimate star to build around.
What fascinates me about this team isn't just their potential to improve, but their apparent comfort with being underestimated. In my conversations with players and coaching staff, I've noticed a distinct lack of the desperation you often see in struggling franchises. Instead, there's this quiet confidence that reminds me of the San Miguel team that eventually broke through after years of disappointment. Head coach Johnedel Cardel has implemented an uptempo system that plays to their strengths—youth and athleticism—rather than trying to fit square pegs into round holes. They've committed to the three-point shot despite inconsistent results, attempting 32.4 per game last season (third highest in the league) at a 33.1% clip. This analytical approach suggests they're building for sustainable success rather than quick fixes.
Their offseason moves have been particularly telling. Drafting Joshua Munzon first overall in the special draft was a statement pick—he's exactly the type of two-way wing that modern basketball demands. I've watched Munzon develop in the ASEAN Basketball League, where he averaged 21.5 points and showcased the kind of explosive scoring ability that could immediately transform their perimeter attack. Pairing him with returning guard Rashawn McCarthy gives them a backcourt that could potentially rank among the league's most dynamic. McCarthy's improvement last season was noticeable to anyone paying close attention—his three-point percentage jumped from 28.3% to 36.7%, and he looked more comfortable running the offense in crunch time. These aren't just random acquisitions; they're targeted additions that fit a clear vision.
The financial aspect can't be ignored either. As part of the league's effort to maintain competitive balance, Columbian receives additional allocation funds due to their standing. While the exact figures aren't public, sources suggest they have approximately ₱15 million more in their budget than top-tier teams this season. This allows them to be aggressive in free agency and retain their developing talent. They've already used this advantage to lock down Christian Standhardinger long-term, giving them a legitimate star to build around. Standhardinger's numbers last season—19.7 points and 12.3 rebounds—don't fully capture his impact on both ends of the floor.
What really convinces me they're poised for a breakthrough, though, goes beyond statistics and roster moves. It's the cultural shift I've observed developing over the past two seasons. Teams that consistently lose often develop bad habits—selfish play, defensive lapses, poor body language during timeouts. But during my visits to their practices and games, I've noticed the exact opposite. There's genuine camaraderie during warm-ups, players staying after practice to work on specific skills together, and a noticeable lack of finger-pointing during difficult stretches. This might sound like intangible fluff, but in my experience covering sports, these are often the precursors to tangible improvement.
The PBA's evolving landscape also works in their favor. The traditional powerhouses—San Miguel, Barangay Ginebra, TNT—are all dealing with aging cores and salary cap constraints. Meanwhile, the league's format with three conferences provides multiple opportunities for a hot streak to translate into playoff success. I'm particularly optimistic about their chances in the Commissioner's Cup, where the import height restriction (6'10") plays to their advantage given their athletic frontcourt.
Of course, skepticism is warranted. They've disappointed before, and the jump from cellar-dweller to contender is the most difficult transition in professional sports. Their defense remains a significant concern, and their bench depth pales in comparison to established contenders. But something feels different this time. Maybe it's their embrace of analytics, their commitment to player development, or simply the fact that their young core has now accumulated enough experience to translate potential into production.
When I think about what separates perpetually struggling teams from those on the verge of breaking through, it often comes down to identity. Great teams know who they are and lean into it. The Golden State Warriors embraced pace-and-space before it became mainstream. The Toronto Raptors built around length and defensive versatility. Columbian Dyip appears to be finding their identity as a modern, uptempo team comfortable playing the underdog role. That self-awareness, combined with their accumulating talent, makes me believe we'll see meaningful progress this season. They might not win a championship, but I'm confident we'll look back on this upcoming season as the turning point for this franchise. The days of automatic wins against Columbian are ending—mark my words.