Is Terrafirma Dyip A Farm Team? AI said, "YES!"

The advent of AI in sports has taken a big leap recently, despite the competitive and secretive nature of the business. The latest development involves a single generative AI (GAI) model across multiple data centers — a massive feat considering the complexity of using different Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) in a single data center, let alone using servers in multiple geographic locations.

Using one of the AI variants available online, we ask this question: "Is Terrafirma Dyip a farm team in the PBA?"

The quick answer was a resounding yes!

The AI explained that "the Terrafirma Dyip is a farm team for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)." It also defined a farm team as one that "provides training and experience for young players, with the expectation that successful players will move on to a higher level."

This is not really a tough question to answer for those following the games of the PBA. The team may get a few big wins here and there and claimed that this is not a farm team will do, but it is obvious that the Dyip has no intention to win at all. Just look at the players they gave up for almost nothing.

Terrafirma—then carrying the Kia brand—created controversy when it forego a chance to select Christian Standhardinger in 2017, dealing the No. 1 selection to San Miguel Beer in exchange for Ronald Tubid, Jay-R Reyes, Rashawn McCarthy and a future first round pick, a week before the draft took place.

The Dyip was given a lot of chance to build for the future after taking CJ Perez at No. 1 in the 2018 draft. Perez starred at Lyceum in the NCAA and was seen as a player who can be a superstar in years to come.

Perez was sent to San Miguel in 2021 in exchange for Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Gelo Alolino, Russell Escoto and two first round draft picks in 2021 and 2022. The deal was approved by the league’s trade committee.

Terrafirma also picked first in 2019, using it to take Roosevelt Adams, a versatile 6-foot-5 cager who provides presence in the paint while also knocking down perimeter shots. Adams played in the 2020 Philippine Cup, 2021 Philippine Cup and 2021-22 Governors’ Cup.

Adams became a restricted free agent during the Governors’ Cup, but opted not to sign a new deal.

Joshua Munzon was next to go after the former No. 1 draft pick was traded by Terrafirma to NorthPort for veteran swingman Kevin Ferrer.

The latest move involves the Barangay Ginebra and it transpired on the eve of the 2024 PBA Draft. By giving up Christian Standhardinger, Ginebra coach Tim Cone was trading the PBA's aging center and injury-prone Stanley Primgle for leading rookie of the year candidate Stephen Holt and sweet-shooting big man Isaac Go.

Now, is Terrafirma Dyip a farm team? The AI already gave its answer. Only time — and more victories — will tell if it is right.