Stephen Holt is displaying the potential that led to his selection as the top overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft.
His performance at the beginning of the PBA Philippine Cup has been a positive sign for the Terrafirma Dyip, who are experiencing their best start since securing their only playoff appearance in the league.
“I’ve always said that stats don’t matter; it’s all about winning, lifting, and elevating the group and being a positive influence both offensively and defensively,” remarked Holt, who was honored as the first PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week in the All-Filipino tournament.
Although Holt downplays the importance of statistics, his impressive production of 22.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 4.5 steals has propelled the Terrafirma Dyip.
The team has secured victories against Converge and NLEX in the first week of the season-ending conference.
In the opening game of the Philippine Cup, Holt set a new season-high with 27 points, contributing 10 rebounds, four assists, and five steals as the Dyip defeated the FiberXers, 107-99, on March 1.
Two days later, Holt delivered another strong performance with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals in a hard-fought 99-95 win over the Road Warriors.
That put the Dyip at 2-0, tied with another perennial bottom feeder, the Blackwater Bossing.
Terrafirma has not reached the playoffs since the 2016 Governors’ Cup, marking the league’s longest active drought. During that period, the franchise won four consecutive games, securing a spot in the top eight.
Reaching the playoffs is the ultimate goal for Holt and the Dyip, led by first-time All-Star Juami Tiongson, Javi Gomez de Liaño, and Isaac Go.
“It’s really difficult for a group like us that hasn’t tasted too much success,” acknowledged Holt.
“We just have to stay positive, keep working like we had in the lead-up to this conference. Again, we can only control what we can control.”
Holt received unanimous approval for the weekly award from the men and women covering the beat, defeating Tiongson and Blackwater’s Troy Rosario.
