Columbian Dyip PBA Team Analysis: Key Players, Strategies and Season Performance
As I sit down to analyze the Columbian Dyip's PBA journey this season, I can't help but reflect on how this team has consistently defied expectations while building something special. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen franchises come and go with various approaches, but Columbian's current philosophy strikes me as particularly intelligent and forward-thinking. Their recent performance isn't just about wins and losses—it's about building a sustainable competitive culture, something that's become increasingly rare in modern professional basketball.
When team veteran CJ Perez made that telling statement about not becoming overly dependent on import Justin Nastiya, it revealed something crucial about this team's DNA. "The goal really for us is not to rely too much on Nastiya. It should be us locals because this is for the long term. Coach always says it's long-term and we should learn from Nastiya," Perez explained. This mindset represents a seismic shift from how many PBA teams approach the import system. Most teams lean heavily on their imports, especially during crucial moments, but Columbian is deliberately taking the harder path for greater future rewards. I've always believed that the most successful franchises build from within, and it's refreshing to see a team actually committing to this philosophy rather than just paying lip service to player development.
Looking at their key local players, CJ Perez continues to be the undeniable centerpiece of this rebuilding project. The 28-year-old guard is averaging impressive numbers—around 22.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this conference—but what's more remarkable is how his leadership has evolved. I've watched him grow from a scoring machine into a more complete player who understands tempo and makes better decisions under pressure. His partnership with Rashawn McCarthy in the backcourt has developed into one of the more underrated guard combinations in the league, with McCarthy providing steady ball-handling and timely outside shooting. What impresses me most about their backcourt is how they've adapted to different defensive schemes, something that wasn't as evident in previous seasons.
The frontcourt presents an interesting mix of youth and experience. Roosevelt Adams has shown flashes of brilliance with his athleticism and three-point shooting, though I'd like to see more consistency in his defensive rotations. Meanwhile, veterans like Glenn Khobuntin provide the gritty interior presence that every competitive team needs. Their big men might not put up eye-popping statistics—averaging around 7.2 points and 5.6 rebounds collectively—but they understand their roles within the system, which is half the battle in team sports.
Strategically, head coach Johnedel Cardel has implemented an uptempo system that maximizes their athletic advantages while masking some of their size disadvantages. They're averaging approximately 98.3 points per game while giving up about 102.6, which tells you they're competitive in most outings despite the losing record. Their pace-and-space approach creates driving lanes for Perez and open looks for their shooters, though their three-point percentage hovering around 32% suggests there's room for improvement in shot selection. Defensively, they've been experimenting with various zone looks to disrupt opponents' rhythm, with mixed results. I've noticed they tend to struggle against teams with multiple scoring options, particularly when their defensive communication breaks down in transition.
What fascinates me about their season performance is how they've managed to stay competitive despite their 4-7 record in the current conference. They've suffered several close losses—including three games decided by five points or fewer—that could have easily swung their way with slightly better execution down the stretch. Their 112-108 overtime victory against the NorthPort Batang Pier last month showcased their potential when everything clicks, with Perez dropping 35 points while the locals contributed significant minutes and production. These glimpses of excellence make me believe they're closer to contention than their record suggests, though they clearly need to address their late-game execution.
The team's commitment to player development extends beyond just game minutes. From what I've gathered through league sources, they've invested significantly in practice facilities and individual skill development programs, particularly for their younger players. This infrastructure investment often goes unnoticed by casual fans, but it's absolutely critical for long-term success. I've always maintained that sustainable team building requires both vision and patience, two qualities that Columbian's management appears to possess in abundance.
As the season progresses, I'm particularly interested in watching how their younger players respond to increased responsibility. Rookies like Joshua Munzon have shown promising flashes, though his shooting efficiency needs work—he's currently converting at about 38% from the field. The development timeline for young prospects isn't linear, and Columbian seems willing to endure growing pains for future gains. This approach requires tremendous organizational patience, especially when losses accumulate and fan frustration mounts.
What sets Columbian apart in my assessment is their clear understanding that sustainable success requires more than just accumulating talent—it demands cultural development. The emphasis on learning from Nastiya while maintaining local accountability creates a powerful dynamic where imports become mentors rather than just mercenaries. This cultural element often gets overlooked in professional sports analysis, but I've come to believe it's the differentiator between flash-in-the-pan successes and lasting contenders.
Looking ahead, Columbian's trajectory appears promising if they maintain their developmental focus. They have the core pieces in place and a coherent philosophy guiding their decisions. The challenge will be balancing patience with the natural competitive urgency that comes with professional sports. If they can add a couple of reliable veterans to stabilize their second unit while continuing to develop their young talent, I could see them making a significant leap within the next two seasons. Their current approach might not yield immediate championship contention, but it builds the foundation for something more meaningful—lasting relevance in a highly competitive league.