The morning sun cast long shadows across the practice court, and I found myself leaning against the cool metal bleachers, watching the rhythmic bounce of a basketball echo in the cavernous gym. It’s in these quiet moments, before the roar of the crowd and the pressure of the game, that you really feel the pulse of a team. I’ve been following the Kia PBA team for years, and there’s a certain gritty energy around them this season that feels different. It reminds me of something I once heard from a young player, a sentiment that seems to capture the spirit of this entire lineup. He said, “Ever since naman pumasok ako ng NU, kinakapalan ko lang yung mukha ko,” which roughly translates to a kind of fearless, almost audacious determination. That phrase has stuck with me, and as I look at the fresh faces and seasoned veterans gearing up, I can’t help but see that same boldness reflected in their eyes. It’s the perfect lens through which to explore and truly discover Kia PBA line up: complete team roster and player updates for 2024.
Let me be honest—I’ve always had a soft spot for underdog teams that play with heart rather than just raw talent, and Kia, with their 12-man roster this year, fits that bill beautifully. They’ve made some calculated moves, bringing in two new rookies who are absolute firecrackers on the court. One of them, a 22-year-old point guard from the collegiate leagues, averaged 18.5 points and 7.2 assists in his final season, and let me tell you, his drive reminds me of that “kinakapalan ko lang yung mukha ko” mentality. He’s not waiting for permission to shine; he’s taking his chances, and it’s refreshing to watch. Alongside him, the team retained their core veterans, including their captain who’s playing in his 8th PBA season and is just 34 points away from hitting the 5,000 career points milestone. I think that blend of youth and experience is going to pay off, especially in the upcoming conferences where stamina and strategy will be tested over 28 grueling games.
But it’s not all sunshine and slam dunks—I’ve got my concerns, too. Their defense has been a bit shaky in the pre-season friendlies, conceding an average of 102 points per game, which is higher than the league average of 98. Still, I’m optimistic because the players seem to embrace that fearless attitude. I remember chatting with one of the team staff last week, and he mentioned how the coaching staff is drilling into them the importance of mental toughness, much like the mindset behind that quote. It’s about throwing yourself into the fray, no matter how intimidating the opponent. As a fan, that’s what I love to see: a team that’s not just playing to not lose, but playing to win, with every possession counting. So, if you’re as excited as I am, keep an eye on this squad—they might just surprise everyone and climb up from last year’s 9th place finish.
