Ronald Tubid Keeping Cards Close to Chest as Terrafirma Eyes No. 1 Pick

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by Cristian Andal

Former PBA player and now Dyip head coach Ronald Tubid (center).
Former PBA player and now Dyip head coach Ronald Tubid (center). Photo: PBA Images.

Terrafirma fans, get ready—change is in the air.

With a brand-new system, fresh coaching staff, and a hopeful reset, the Dyip are looking to turn the page on one of their toughest seasons yet. At the helm of this new chapter? None other than Ronald Tubid, the eight-time PBA champion now stepping into the spotlight as head coach.

Tubid’s first official act as mentor came at the PBA Draft Combine on Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena, where he carefully sized up the incoming rookie talent. The biggest question, of course: who will Terrafirma take with the highly coveted No. 1 overall pick in Sunday’s draft?

For now, Tubid isn’t ready to spill.

“We’re still undecided, though we already have a list of players we might select,” he said, keeping the suspense alive for Dyip fans.

Ronald Tubid during the PBA Draft Combine.
Ronald Tubid during the PBA Draft Combine. Photo: PBA Images.

The 43-year-old mentor has assembled a tight coaching unit that includes Jun Villarin, known for his work with La Salle Greenhills, and potentially Jared Jarencio, former NorthPort assistant and son of Pido Jarencio. Tubid himself stepped down from his previous role as team manager to take full ownership of the Dyip’s on-court rebuild.

It’s a massive challenge. Terrafirma is coming off a rough 3-30 run in Season 49—a season that left many questioning the team’s future and even fueled rumors of a sale. But with the top draft pick in hand, Tubid is determined to breathe life back into the franchise.

“Excited din ako to test our ability to coach,” Tubid admitted. “Kaya tinanggap ko rin yung challenge.”

While the Dyip faithful are hungry to know who their future star will be, Tubid is focused on the bigger picture: changing Terrafirma’s culture from perennial cellar-dwellers to playoff contenders.

“Hindi naman tayo sasali sa PBA kung ayaw nating manalo,” Tubid declared. “We’ll maximize what we have and push hard to finally get into the playoffs.”

For Terrafirma, the draft is more than just adding a new face—it’s about setting the tone for a long-awaited turnaround. And with Tubid at the wheel, the Dyip might just be ready to surprise everyone.