It may take some time to get used to seeing Juami Tiongson clad in San Miguel threads after being the long-time face of the Terrafirma franchise.
And as if it isn’t enough, the star guard has gone with another jersey number as he writes the latest chapter of his career with the PBA’s winningest team.
From making no. 3 his own during his tenure with the Dyip, he’s chosen no. 33 as he couldn’t secure his old number, which is presently worn by Mo Tautua’a.
The veteran big man had actually given the number to him, according to Tiongson, but unfortunately was not permitted by the management.
“Actually, nag-no. 3 po ako, binigay na sa akin ni Mo. Kaso sinabi nila na bawal na. So I guess, double lock na lang na 3 and 3,” he said with a chuckle.
Tiongson had some other numbers in mind, but realized that some of those have already been worn by former stars of the ball club.
Among those numbers was no.5 – and he could have chosen it, since it hasn’t been retired. He ultimately chose not too since it once belonged to Alex Cabagnot.
“Tsaka may mga numbers din po ako na gusto na legend na, medyo retired na. Ayoko rin naman sila bastusin, siyempre,” said the 11-year pro out of Ateneo de Manila. “I have to respect those players that came before me.”
(C) PBA Images
His new jersey number is all part of his fresh start with SMB, who acquired his services just last week via trade where he and Andreas Cahilig got sent by Terrafima for Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel.
Tiongson made his debut during San Miguel’s Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup opener on Tuesday night. His performance helped his new team come back from as much as 16 points to beat Phoenix by way of a 107-104 decision.
He finished with eight points and two assists, none bigger than the inbound pass that led to a Marcio Lassiter go-ahead jumper with 2.3 seconds left.
Tiongson is, of course, glad to have started his journey with the Beermen on a winning note.
Still, he insisted that the work doesn’t stop for him.
He’s only been with the team for a week, and the 2021 Most Improved Player admitted that he’s still adjusting to his new environment – particularly on offense, given how loaded the Beermen have been talent-wise.
But with a bevy of veterans more than willing to be of aid, the one-time All-Star should not have issues getting used to his new reality.
“Sobrang babait ng mga players, and I have great vets – sina C-Ross, Marcio. Kasi ‘yung first two days of practice ko, ang pangit ng pina-practice ko e, kasi nga nag-aalangan ako,” recalled the deadshot playmaker.
“Pero inencourage nila ako na, ‘Uy, hindi ka namin kinuha rito para pumasa, kinuha ka namin dito para laruin mo kung ano ‘yung nilalaro mo sa Terrafirma’.”
