As a longtime observer of the Philippine Basketball Association, I've seen franchises rise and fall with the kind of dramatic flair that would make telenovela writers jealous. When Manny Pacquiao entered the PBA ownership scene with Kia franchise back in 2014, many of us wondered whether this would be another celebrity vanity project or a legitimate basketball operation. Fast forward to today, and the question burning in every PBA fan's mind is whether this team can finally break through that playoff barrier that's been haunting them for seasons. I've watched this team evolve from expansion curiosity to legitimate competitor, and this season feels different somehow—like we might be witnessing the turning point in their franchise history.
The recent two-day combine told us something crucial about this team's direction. Huntley, Nada, and Fil-Am Jason Brickman weren't present at the start—a strategic move that speaks volumes about how this organization is thinking differently. When I first heard about these absences, my initial reaction was concern. But then it hit me: this wasn't about missing talent; this was about knowing exactly what you have and focusing your evaluation elsewhere. Brickman's absence particularly stood out to me. Having watched him play for years, I can tell you he's exactly the kind of floor general Kia needs—someone who can control tempo and make everyone around him better. His 8.5 assists per game last season weren't just numbers; they were evidence of a basketball IQ that's rare in the league. The fact that management didn't feel the need to put him through the combine grind tells me they already see him as integral to their core—and honestly, I agree with that assessment.
What really excites me about this Kia squad is how they're building something sustainable rather than chasing quick fixes. I've seen too many teams in this league mortgage their future for a brief playoff appearance, only to collapse back into mediocrity. Kia seems to be taking the opposite approach—developing young talent while strategically adding veterans who fit specific roles. Their draft strategy last year was particularly impressive, grabbing two players who immediately contributed meaningful minutes. Rookie shooting guard Miguel Santos averaged 12.3 points in his first 15 games—not superstar numbers, but exactly the kind of production you need from your role players.
The Western Conference is tougher than I've seen it in years, with at least five teams genuinely competing for three playoff spots. San Miguel remains the powerhouse we all know, but teams like Rain or Shine and TNT have reloaded in significant ways. Kia finished last season with a 7-11 record—not great, but when you look closer, you'll notice they lost 4 of those games by 5 points or less. That's the difference between another disappointing season and a playoff berth right there. If they can turn even half of those close losses into wins this season, we're looking at a 9-9 team that's very much in the playoff conversation.
I've had conversations with people around the league about Kia's coaching situation, and there's a sense that Coach Tim Cone's system is finally taking root. It took about 20 games last season, but you could see the players buying into his triangle offense—the ball movement improved dramatically, and the isolation plays that used to plague their offense decreased by nearly 40% in the second half of the season. That kind of progression isn't accidental; it's the result of players buying into a system and coaching staff that knows how to develop talent.
The financial aspect can't be ignored either. Having Pacquiao's backing means this team isn't operating with the same constraints as some other franchises. They've invested in sports science technology that most PBA teams can't afford—recovery systems, advanced analytics, nutrition programs. These might sound like small things, but over an 18-game season, they add up. I've noticed Kia players generally look fresher in the fourth quarter than their opponents, and that's no coincidence.
What worries me slightly is their interior defense. They gave up an average of 48.2 points in the paint last season—third worst in the league. Unless they address that, they'll struggle against teams with dominant big men. The trade rumors swirling around potentially acquiring a defensive-minded center make perfect sense to me. If they can land someone who can protect the rim without sacrificing too much offense, that could be the final piece of their playoff puzzle.
Looking at their schedule for the first half of the season, I count at least 6 very winnable games if they play to their potential. A 6-3 start isn't out of the question, and in this conference, that kind of start could build the confidence needed for a playoff push. Their January matchup against GlobalPort will be particularly telling—that's a team at a similar developmental stage, and winning those kinds of games is what separates playoff teams from the rest.
The chemistry question is fascinating with this group. Having followed them closely, I've noticed something interesting developing between their veteran leaders and younger players. There's a mentorship dynamic happening that you don't see everywhere—veterans staying after practice to work with rookies, players holding each other accountable during timeouts. These intangible factors often matter more than raw talent when it comes to winning close games.
As we approach the season opener, I'm more optimistic about Kia's playoff chances than I've ever been. They have the pieces, the coaching, and increasingly, the organizational stability to make that next step. Will it happen this season? My prediction is yes—but it'll be tight. I see them finishing around 10-8, which should be enough for that final playoff spot in the conference. The absence of those key players from the combine wasn't a sign of disarray; it was a statement of confidence in what they're building. And frankly, after watching this team struggle through growing pains, I believe that confidence is finally justified.
