Can Columbian Dyip PBA Turn Their Season Around With New Strategies?

As I sit here reviewing the Columbian Dyip's current PBA season, I can't help but feel both concerned and cautiously optimistic about their prospects. The team has been struggling, there's no denying that - they've managed only 4 wins in their last 15 games, and their defensive rating of 112.3 points per 100 possessions ranks near the bottom of the league. But what really caught my attention was guard Ana Ntumba's recent statement about the team's evolving approach: "The goal really is not to rely too much on Nastiya. We locals should step up because this is for the long term. Coach always says it's long-term and we should learn from Nastiya."

This philosophy represents a fundamental shift in how the team is approaching their development, and frankly, I think it's about time. In my years covering Philippine basketball, I've seen too many teams become overly dependent on their imports, only to collapse when those players inevitably move on. What Columbian Dyip seems to be building is something more sustainable - a system where the import becomes a teacher rather than just a scorer.

Let me be clear about something - I've always believed that the most successful PBA teams are those that develop strong local cores. Look at the legendary San Miguel teams or even the current TNT squad. Their success isn't just about finding great imports; it's about having locals who can carry the team when needed. That's why I'm particularly excited about Columbian's new direction. They're not just trying to win games today - they're building for tomorrow. Coach Johnedel Cardel appears to be implementing what I'd call a "distributed leadership" model on the court, where responsibilities are shared more evenly between locals and import.

The numbers tell part of the story - in their last three games, local players have accounted for nearly 65% of the team's scoring, up from just 48% earlier in the conference. But what the stats don't show is the growing confidence of players like JP Calvo and Rashawn McCarthy, who are taking bigger roles in crunch time. I watched their recent game against Magnolia, and despite the loss, you could see the locals weren't just waiting for their import to bail them out. They ran sets specifically designed for local players, took responsibility in key moments, and showed a level of cohesion that suggests this team is starting to buy into the long-term vision.

Now, I know some fans might be frustrated with the growing pains. The team has dropped 3 close games that they probably would have won if they'd relied more heavily on their import in crucial moments. But here's where I disagree with the critics - these short-term losses are investments in long-term development. Every missed shot by a local player in a pressure situation today could become a made shot in a playoff game next season. The team's assist percentage has improved from 54.2% to 61.8% since implementing this new approach, suggesting better ball movement and player involvement.

What really impresses me is how they're using their import strategically. Instead of just feeding their import in isolation situations, they're running sets where the import serves as a decoy or facilitator, creating opportunities for locals to develop their decision-making skills. In their recent match against Rain or Shine, I counted at least 7 possessions where the import deliberately passed up decent shots to get better looks for local teammates. That kind of unselfish play builds trust and develops skills that last beyond any single conference.

The challenges are real, of course. The locals need to improve their consistency - their field goal percentage drops from 44% in the first three quarters to just 38% in the fourth quarter of close games. But I've seen enough improvement in their shot selection and defensive rotations to believe this approach can work. Their pace has increased from 94.2 possessions per game to 98.6, suggesting they're becoming more comfortable playing their style rather than just reacting to opponents.

From my perspective, what Columbian Dyip is attempting represents the future of team building in the PBA. The days of relying on a single dominant import to carry a team are fading, replaced by more sophisticated approaches that prioritize system over stars. It reminds me of what we saw with the Gilas program's development - the most sustainable success comes from developing local talent within a coherent system.

I'll be watching their next few games closely, particularly how they handle late-game situations against top teams. If they can maintain their commitment to this development-focused approach even when losses pile up, I believe they'll emerge as a much stronger team in the long run. The wins might not come immediately - I'd estimate it might take another 10-15 games before we see the full benefits - but the foundation they're building could make them contenders sooner than most people expect.

The true test will come during the playoffs, if they make it. That's when the lessons learned through this process will either pay dividends or expose the limitations of their approach. But based on what I've seen developing over the past few weeks, I'm leaning toward optimism. This team isn't just trying to win games - they're trying to build something lasting, and in today's PBA, that kind of vision is both rare and refreshing.