As a longtime basketball analyst who’s followed the Philippine Basketball Association for over a decade, I’ve seen countless teams rise, fall, and rebuild. This season, one of the most compelling storylines has to be the Kia franchise—now playing under a new identity, yet carrying forward that scrappy, fast-paced style that made them so fun to watch. When I sat down to really dig into their current lineup and key players, I found myself drawn not just to the star names, but to the role players who make the system click. And honestly, that’s where the real magic happens.

Let’s start with the backcourt, because that’s where a lot of the offensive creativity flows from. I’ve always believed that a great point guard can elevate an entire roster, and this season Kia seems to have taken that to heart. They’ve brought in a mix of veterans and young blood, but one name that keeps popping up in game logs—and one I personally enjoy watching—is Joseph Terso. Now, I know he’s not always the leading scorer, but if you look closely at his contribution in a recent outing for Davao, you’ll see exactly why he matters. In one standout performance, Terso dished out a game-high 10 assists while chipping in seven points, grabbing five boards, and snatching three steals. That kind of stat line doesn’t always make headlines, but for those of us who appreciate the nuances of playmaking, it’s pure gold. His ability to read the floor and create for others takes pressure off the primary scorers and gives the team a tempo they can control.

Moving to the wing and frontcourt, Kia has invested in some versatile forwards who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions. I’ve noticed they tend to favor players with high motors—guys who might not be the tallest or most athletic, but who play with relentless energy. That fits perfectly with their identity as a team that thrives in transition. When you have a playmaker like Terso pushing the ball up the court, you need finishers who can run with him, and from what I’ve observed, Kia’s wings are more than up to the task. They’ve also added a reliable big man who sets solid screens and protects the rim, something they’ve lacked in past seasons. I won’t lie—I’m a bit partial toward teams that prioritize basketball IQ over pure athleticism, and this roster seems to reflect that philosophy.

Of course, no team is complete without a go-to scorer, and Kia has a couple of players who can take over when the offense stagnates. One in particular stands out—a crafty wing with a quick first step and a reliable mid-range jumper. I’ve watched him dismantle defenses single-handedly, and when he gets hot, there aren’t many in the league who can slow him down. But what impresses me more is his willingness to involve his teammates. He doesn’t force bad shots; instead, he leverages his gravity to create openings for others. That unselfishness, combined with Terso’s distribution, gives Kia a balanced offensive attack that’s tough to game-plan against.

Defensively, this team has its work cut out for them. They’re not the biggest or most physical squad, so they rely heavily on quickness and communication. Terso’s three steals in that earlier game I mentioned weren’t a fluke—he’s consistently active in passing lanes, and that defensive intensity seems contagious. I’ve seen this team force turnovers and convert them into easy baskets time and again. It’s not always pretty, and they’ll give up some offensive rebounds, but their effort level is rarely in question. As someone who values defensive hustle almost as much as offensive execution, I find this group easy to root for.

Looking at the bigger picture, I think Kia’s front office has done a solid job building a roster that fits their preferred style. They may not have the budget or the star power of some other PBA teams, but they’ve assembled a group that plays hard, shares the ball, and doesn’t back down from challenges. In my view, that’s what makes them so compelling this season. They’re the kind of team that can surprise you on any given night, especially when role players like Joseph Terso step up and fill the stat sheet in ways that don’t always show up in the highlight reels.

So, as the season unfolds, I’ll be keeping a close eye on this squad. They may not win a championship—let’s be real, the odds are against them—but they’ll definitely be fun to watch. And in a league where predictability can sometimes suck the life out of games, that’s something I truly appreciate. If they can stay healthy and continue to develop their chemistry, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them pull off a few upsets and make some noise in the playoffs. After all, basketball isn’t always about having the biggest names; sometimes it’s about having the right pieces, and from where I’m sitting, Kia might just have found a few.