Most of Juami Tiongson’s PBA career has been with fringe teams. Therefore, expect the shrewd ball handler to savor and maximize an opportunity he missed before.
The 11-year seasoned player, currently playing for San Miguel Beer, is gearing up for his inaugural semifinal series with the esteemed team aiming to restore its dominant position in the league. He understands the significance of this challenge that formally started on Wednesday.
"This is the type of chance you're grateful for," he said to the Axofa, moments before the 2021 Most Improved Player along with the rest of the Beermen faced Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
"As a player, you yearn for these moments—matches that count," he stated.
During Tiongson's third season as a professional playing for NLEX in the 2017 All-Filipino tournament, he experienced his first taste of the PBA's Final Four. His team, the Road Warriors, lost to Magnolia in that series, and Tiongson, who came from Ateneo, couldn’t manage another semi-final berth.
Later, he transferred to join Terrafirma, which was struggling at the bottom of the league. There, he revamped his playing style to emerge as one of the team’s key players. His addition propelled the Dyip into the quarterfinals during the previous season of the Philippine Cup; however, they were eventually defeated by the Beermen in their two encounters.
Tiongson is now playing for the same team that recently eliminated him from the playoffs. Adding to the drama, he will face off against Gin Kings guard Stephen Holt—a former teammate with whom he shared an impressive stint last season.
“I feel the pressure,” he confessed, “but I am looking forward to it.”
Tiongson, who has taken on a new role with the Beermen—adding energy and consistency to a squad brimming with ability—is heading towards an opportunity that is both uncommon and life-changing.
Although this chance puts him nearer to potentially winning his first professional championship, he understands that the voyage itself will mold him into a superior athlete.
In intense matches, you discover much about your own capabilities. Additionally, you improve—both as an athlete and as an individual.