Juami Tiongson accepts PBA All-Star snub: People don’t like me like that; I’m not that popular
Guardian of Terrafirma Juami Tiongson. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Despite playing consistently well this season, Terrafirma’s Juami Tiongson failed to make it past the final group of standout players for this year’s PBA All-Star Game.
Speaking on the matter for the first time on Saturday night, the 2021 Most Improved Player of the Season reached out to a scathing fact-check to resolve the issue.
Tiongson told reporters: “Let’s be honest: People don’t like me like that. actual problem on the heel of Dyip’s 125-100 kill at the hands of Phoenix.
“Like, I’m not that famous. Guys like me don’t really win things like that. And that’s just the way it is. Not feel hard.”
Afterward his breakout yearTiongson remains Dyip’s most important weapon and has proven himself to be one of the few bright spots the club have had during a challenging season.
And Terrafirma’s struggling this season is also the reason Tiongson feels he doesn’t deserve a place in stars.
“[W]We didn’t win and we didn’t make it to the knockout stages. Those on that list, they’ve consistently made it to the knockout stages. I don’t have one,” he said.
Terrafirma currently leads 2-5 in the race and is outside the qualifying threshold for the next round.
Tiongson averaged 23.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists throughout the conference. And some PBA fans on the internet have insisted that his numbers are significantly better than some of the names that made it to the 22-man shortlist the captains have since picked out. Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar will build their squad.
But he has a pretty good argument for those who think so.
“I would say based on my stats, maybe I deserve it [consideration], but ultimately it’s for the fans,” he said. “The fans decide who they want to see, the players they want to see. That’s just about it.
“Whether I’m an All-Star or not, it doesn’t matter. I have a completely different kind of motivation inside, and it’s not just All-Star (selection). There was a time when I wasn’t in the league, I wasn’t even a PBA player. Being involved is just a bonus if it even happens,” he added.
For those who fight for his inclusion, Tiongson has this to say.
“I appreciate people who see the hard work I put in my game. With that, I don’t need to be an All-Star anymore. The fact that they pay attention has meant a lot to me.
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