Discover the Complete Kia PBA Team Line Up and Key Players for the Season
As a longtime basketball analyst who’s followed the Philippine Basketball Association for over a decade, I’ve always found team lineups and chemistry fascinating—especially when a roster starts clicking in ways nobody predicted. This season, the Kia team—now competing under the Davao banner—has caught my eye not just for their star power, but for the way certain role players elevate the entire squad. Let’s dive into their current lineup, spotlight key contributors, and explore what makes this group so compelling.
When I first scanned Kia’s roster at the start of the season, I’ll admit I wasn’t fully convinced they had the depth to compete with the league’s giants. But watching them gel over the past few months has been a treat. Their backcourt, led by veteran playmakers, sets the tone with pace and unselfish ball movement. Up front, they’ve got a mix of youth and experience—bigs who can stretch the floor and wings who aren’t afraid to attack the rim. One of the things I appreciate most about this team is their balance; they don’t rely solely on one or two scorers. Instead, they move the ball with purpose, and that’s where players like Joseph Terso come into the picture.
Now, Terso might not always light up the scoring column, but mark my words—he’s the kind of player coaches dream of. In their recent outing, Joseph Terso also shone for Davao with a game-high 10 assists, to go along seven points, five rebounds and three steals. Those numbers might seem modest at first glance, but when you break them down, they reveal his incredible impact. Ten assists mean he was directly responsible for setting up roughly 20 to 25 points, depending on shot selection—that’s massive in a league where every possession counts. Add in his five boards and three steals, and you’ve got a stat line that screams versatility. I’ve always valued players who contribute across categories, and Terso embodies that. He’s the engine that keeps the offense humming, and his defensive activity sets the tone for everyone else.
Beyond Terso, the team boasts a handful of standout performers who each bring something unique. Take their primary scorer—a slashing guard who averages around 18 points per game and thrives in isolation situations. Then there’s their stretch-four, a forward who knocks down threes at a 38% clip, forcing opposing bigs to step out and creating driving lanes. What I love about this mix is how well they complement each other. When Terso drives and kicks, shooters spot up with confidence. When the defense collapses, he finds the open man—it’s a beautiful, unselfish brand of basketball.
Of course, no team is perfect, and Kia-Davao does have areas to address. Their interior defense can be vulnerable against physical centers, and they occasionally struggle with rebounding consistency—they’ve given up an average of 12 offensive rebounds per game, which is higher than I’d like. But their hustle often makes up for it. They force about 8 steals and 4 blocks per contest, turning defense into quick offense. In my view, that aggressive style fits the modern PBA perfectly.
Looking at the bigger picture, Kia’s lineup isn’t just built for the regular season—it’s constructed for growth. With a core age averaging around 26 years old, they’ve got time to develop together. I’m particularly excited about their rookie wing, who’s shown flashes of brilliance with his defensive instincts and transition finishing. If he continues to improve, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as a Sixth Man candidate by season’s end.
As we wrap up, it’s clear that Kia-Davao’s success hinges on more than individual talent. It’s about players like Joseph Terso making everyone better—the unsung hero whose unselfish play fuels the system. While they may not have the biggest names in the league, they play with a cohesion that’s rare and refreshing. From my perspective, this makes them a dark horse as the playoffs approach. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, keep an eye on this group. They’re proof that basketball, at its best, is a collective effort—and honestly, that’s why I love covering the sport.