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

As I sit here watching the Columbian Dyip struggle through another disappointing quarter, I can't help but wonder if this franchise is finally ready to turn the corner. Having followed the PBA for over a decade, I've seen numerous teams promise transformation only to fall back into familiar patterns. But something feels different about this season's approach, particularly after hearing team captain Rashawn McCarthy's recent comments about their evolving strategy.

The team's acknowledgment that they can't rely solely on import Justin Nastiya represents a fundamental shift in philosophy that I find both refreshing and necessary. McCarthy's words resonate deeply with me: "The real goal for us is not to rely too much on Nastiya. We locals need to step up because this is for the long term. Coach always says it's about the long-term and we should learn from Nastiya." This isn't just coach speak—this is the kind of strategic pivot that can genuinely reshape a franchise's trajectory. In my analysis, teams that over-depend on imports typically peak early and crash hard come playoff time. The Dyip seem to be learning this lesson the hard way, currently sitting at 2-7 in the standings, but their new approach suggests they're playing a longer game than most realize.

What fascinates me about this strategic evolution is how it contrasts with the typical PBA team's approach to imports. Most franchises treat their international players as temporary saviors—mercenaries brought in to patch systemic weaknesses. Columbian appears to be doing the exact opposite, using Nastiya as what I'd call a "developmental catalyst." Instead of just having him carry the scoring load, they're deliberately creating situations where local players can learn from his professional approach and technical skills. I've noticed in their recent games how players like Roosevelt Adams and JP Calvo are taking more responsibility in crucial moments rather than automatically deferring to their import.

The numbers tell an interesting story here. Before implementing this new philosophy, Columbian's local players were contributing only 42% of the team's total points. In their last five games, that number has jumped to nearly 58%. While their record hasn't dramatically improved yet—they've gone 2-3 during that stretch—the underlying metrics suggest sustainable growth. Their assist-to-turnover ratio has improved from 1.2 to 1.7, and their fourth-quarter scoring distribution has become much more balanced. These might seem like dry statistics, but to someone who's studied team development patterns like I have, they indicate a fundamental shift in how the Dyip are approaching the game.

From my perspective, the most impressive aspect of this transformation is the coaching staff's patience. In today's win-now PBA environment, it takes remarkable discipline to prioritize long-term development over short-term results. Coach Johnedel Cardel appears to be implementing what I'd describe as a "teaching culture" where mistakes are treated as learning opportunities rather than failures. I've watched their practices, and the focus on skill development rather than just game preparation is noticeably different from other struggling franchises. They're spending approximately 70% of practice time on fundamental drills—an unusually high percentage for a professional team mid-season.

What really convinces me this approach might work is seeing how specific players are developing. Take rookie big man James Laput, for instance. Early in the season, he looked lost on both ends of the floor, averaging just 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in limited minutes. Since the strategic shift, he's become a legitimate rotation player, putting up 7.8 points and 5.4 rebounds while showing dramatically improved defensive positioning. This kind of organic growth is exactly what sustainable team building looks like, and it's something I wish more PBA franchises would prioritize.

The challenge, of course, is balancing development with competitiveness. In my experience watching rebuilding teams, there's a dangerous tipping point where losing becomes habitual rather than instructive. Columbian needs to ensure their process-oriented approach yields enough tangible results to maintain morale and fan engagement. Their recent close loss to powerhouse San Miguel—where they led for three quarters before falling by just four points—suggests they're finding that balance. The local players accounted for 64% of their scoring in that game, with McCarthy and Adams combining for 48 points. That's the blueprint right there.

Personally, I'm bullish on Columbian's direction, even if their record doesn't reflect it yet. The PBA has too many teams stuck in cyclical mediocrity because they refuse to invest in proper development systems. What the Dyip are attempting requires courage and vision that I frankly admire. They're building something that could potentially make them contenders in 2-3 seasons rather than just patching holes to maybe sneak into the playoffs. In a league where only three franchises have won championships in the last five years, this kind of long-term thinking is exactly what's needed to break up the status quo.

The true test will come in how they finish this season and approach the next. If they can maintain their commitment to development while gradually improving their results, they might just create a blueprint other struggling franchises could follow. The PBA needs more teams thinking beyond the current conference, and Columbian's willingness to sacrifice short-term success for sustainable growth is exactly the kind of bold thinking that could eventually turn them into legitimate contenders. It's a gamble, but in my view, it's one worth taking.