Basilan Starhorse co-owner Jackson Chua Jr. has reaffirmed the group's unwavering commitment to join the PBA, revealing that discussions for a franchise acquisition are still "ongoing" and remain open with "a couple of teams." This sustained interest, despite earlier failed negotiations with Terrafirma, signals a clear and long-term vision for the Starhorse brand to enter the country’s premier basketball stage.
Chua’s statement emphasizes a strong passion for the game among his partners and a recognition of the PBA’s expansive commercial reach. For the Starhorse group, joining the PBA is not just a dream, but a calculated business move that promises significant visibility and engagement. The question now shifts from if they will buy, to which franchise offers the most compelling opportunity, and once again, the spotlight falls on the perpetually 'for sale' Terrafirma Dyip.
Is Terrafirma Still a Worthwhile Investment?
The Terrafirma franchise has historically been viewed with a mix of opportunity and frustration. They possess the necessary PBA infrastructure and a spot in the league, but their history is marred by the controversial trading away of top draft picks, which has stunted their growth.
A key development has clouded their immediate future: the trade of their next first-round pick. Losing a high-value asset like a potential No. 1 overall selection significantly impacts the franchise's value, especially for a buyer hoping to rebuild through the draft.
However, a closer look at their current roster and protected assets reveals that the franchise remains a surprisingly attractive target for Starhorse.
The Undeniable Assets of the Dyip:
| Player Rights | Current Roster Pieces | Value to Starhorse |
| Christian Standhardinger | Kemark Carino | Elite PBA Talent: Retaining the rights to a former MVP in Standhardinger (though difficult to acquire) and a former top pick in Adams is a significant asset. A new, well-funded management might finally have the leverage to make a deal happen for C-Stan or Adams. |
| Roosevelt Adams | Louie Sangalang | Young Core: Carino and Sangalang are both young, capable big men. Sangalang, in particular, has shown consistent development. |
| Geo Chiu | Mark Nonoy | Size and Potential: The rights to former No. 1 pick Geo Chiu (currently in the MPBL) gives the new owner a 6'9" center for the future. Nonoy is a speedy guard with championship experience. |
| JM Bravo | Immediate Depth: Bravo and other holdovers provide a rotation that can be immediately competitive. |
The loss of the future first-round pick hurts, but the purchase of a PBA franchise is about acquiring a permanent license to operate in the league. The current players and future rights represent the foundation of the team.
For Starhorse, acquiring Terrafirma means:
Immediate PBA Entry: Bypassing the lengthy process of applying for an expansion team.
Existing Talent Pool: They inherit a roster that, while not a contender, has young, hungry players and veteran rights that can be used as trade bait to acquire proven stars—or simply kept to build around.
Basilan Starhorse has shown a deep commitment to its current MPBL team, even welcoming former PBA stars like Arwind Santos. If they can successfully merge their "passionate" culture with the existing assets of the Dyip, the Terrafirma franchise remains a strategic and ultimately worthwhile investment for a group ready to make the leap to the PBA. They are not buying a finished product, but a platform with viable assets, and for an ambitious newcomer like Starhorse, that's enough.
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