The words “Terrafirma Dyip”, “undefeated”, and “top of the standings” rarely go together. As of this writing the Dyip are currently undefeated through two games in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, joining the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters and the NLEX Road Warriors at the top of the standings.  

The last time the Dyip had a run like this was a decade ago, which was still when they were known as the Mahindra Enforcer. In the 2016 Oppo-PBA Governors’ Cup, the Enforcer had a 4-0 record before finishing the preliminary round at 6-5. 

Unfortunately, Mahindra’s run ended in the quarterfinals, where they were blown out by the Meralco Bolts after losing both the playoff for the fourth spot and the ensuing quarterfinal match. 

Since then, it’s been loss after loss and maybe a win here or there for Terrafirma in each conference and while they would more often than not earn the top selection in the following season’s draft, that too was traded away and lost to another team. 

For this conference, the Dyip entered with a well-rounded roster. They have quality big men in import Mubashar Ali, last year’s top selection in Geo Chiu, and veteran Ben Adamos. At the wing spots, they have the Ahanmisi brothers Jerrick and Maverick and Paolo Hernandez. But it has been Ali who has been a dominant two-way force in two games, averaging 38.5 points, 18.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. Ali has been patient with his offense in not forcing his shots and finding openings other big men would surrender as turnovers. Terrafirma will likely put a lot on his broad shoulders and so far, it seems he is up to the task. 

Terrafirma will likely have a relatively easy schedule until the second week of April, which is when they will take on the TNT Tropang 5G. Yes, the Fuel Masters are also undefeated and the winless Magnolia Hotshots can suddenly find their form, but the Dyip are playing more comfortable basketball. The ball movement is crisp, as referenced by their 25 assists per game thus far. Terrafirma’s current roster does not have any tradeable players at the moment and so there’s a sense of security that barring any injury, this team will be intact at the end of the conference. 

But then again, the tides of the PBA can change quickly. Losses can pile up. Players can get injured. Stars can emerge and move on to greener (no pun intended) pastures. It’s easy to assume that the Terrafirma Dyip will fall into old habits again, but this 2-0 start feels somewhat different. There’s a plan on hand and they’re executing it to a tee.