Stephen Holt is getting along well with his new Terrafirma Dyip teammates, getting a good interaction with members of the team some two weeks before the start of the 48th Philippine Basketball Association Commissioners Cup.
“The guys are focused on and off the floor. They’re working hard and I’m helping the guys in a positive way,” said the 31-year-old Holt, a Filipino-American guard, who recently signed a two-year deal with the Dyip.
Holt, who is the no. 1 overall pick of the Season 48 PBA Rookie Draft, talked about his aspirations during Tuesday’s PBA Media Day at the One Esplanade in Pasay City.
The Dyip are having an intense build-up for the coming season of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, which gets going on Nov. 5 at the Araneta Coliseum.
The 6’4” Holt brings with him a vast experience playing for Canton Charge in the NBA G League during the 2014-2015 season, along with stints with the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Summer League.
“We talk about having a winning mentality, we talk about winning, and me making baskets,” added Holt, who has been playing for club teams in Australia and Europe for the last eight years.
Team skipper Isaac Go said that with Holt finally joining the squad in practice, they are finally getting on the same page with their goals for the season.
Meanwhile, Jeron Teng, who is set to follow the footsteps of his father Alvin by inking a two-year deal with the San Miguel Beermen, will be one of two new players coming into the SMB roster, along with Troy Mallilin and import Tyler Stone.
“I’m sure he’ll help us a lot when he gets inside the court,” said Beermen coach Jorge Gallent.
The Beermen have started practicing with Teng last Monday as he replaces injured players Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel while they are recovering.
The deal, which was brokered by his agent Danny Espiritu, came after Teng got married to long-time partner Jeanine Tsoi.
Alvin Teng, Jeron’s dad, played for the Beermen from 1986 to 1994.
Last September, Teng’s contract with the Converge FiberXers ended, putting him into free agency.
A 6’2” forward, Teng averages 10.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
He will play with a star-studded roster, led by June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross, and Marcio Lassiter, along with CJ Perez, Terrence Romeo, Vic Manuel, Mo Tautuaa, Jericho Cruz, and Simon Enciso.
Completing the Beermen’s lineup are Allyn Bulanadi, Noy Baclao, Rodney Brondial, import Tyler Stone, and Troy Mallillin.