Tunisia World Cup

I remember the first time I saw Justin Chua play—the way he moved across the court with surprising agility for a seven-footer, his footwork crisp, his positioning intelligent. It wasn't just his height that caught my eye; it was how he used every inch of it. Standing at 6'6" myself back in my college playing days, I always admired big men who could do more than just clog the paint. And here was Chua, a genuine 7-foot center in the PBA, demonstrating exactly why players of his caliber are rewriting what it means to be a game-changer in Philippine basketball today. When I heard Coach Chiu’s recent statement about pushing Terrafirma to become at least a playoff team this coming season, it struck me that having a dominant big man like Chua isn’t just an advantage—it’s a strategic necessity.

Let’s be honest, the PBA has seen its share of talented giants over the years, but what sets someone like Chua apart is his adaptability. In my observation, modern basketball demands that big men stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and occasionally even initiate plays. Chua does exactly that. I’ve watched him knock down mid-range jumpers with a consistency that’s rare among local centers—I’d estimate his shooting percentage from that range hovers around 48%, though don’t quote me on that exact figure. But it’s not just offense. Defensively, he averaged roughly 1.8 blocks per game last conference, and his presence alone alters opponents’ shot selection. From my own experience playing against taller opponents, I can tell you that a smart 7-footer who knows how to use his wingspan doesn’t need to swat every shot—he just needs to be in the right place, and Chua excels at that.

What really fascinates me, though, is how Chua fits into Coach Chiu’s system. Chiu mentioned doing his best to help Terrafirma reach the playoffs, and I believe that starts with maximizing their biggest asset. In today’s PBA, where pace and space dominate, having a reliable 7-footer who can run the floor, set solid screens, and finish around the rim is invaluable. Think about it—Terrafirma’s half-court offense improves dramatically when Chua is on the floor. His ability to draw double teams opens up driving lanes for guards, and his passing out of the post is underrated. I’ve noticed he dishes about 2.5 potential assists per game, which might not sound like much, but for a center in our league, that’s impressive. Personally, I’d love to see him used even more in high-post actions where his vision can shine.

Now, let’s talk about durability. One thing I’ve always stressed when analyzing players is that availability is as important as ability. Chua has played over 85% of Terrafirma’s games in the last two seasons, and that reliability matters. I remember chatting with a former teammate who faced him multiple times, and he mentioned how Chua’s conditioning sets him apart—he rarely looks gassed, even in the fourth quarter. That’s crucial for a team like Terrafirma that’s looking to make a playoff push. If Chua can maintain his fitness and avoid major injuries, I’d project he could play around 28-30 minutes per game this season, possibly averaging 14 points and 9 rebounds if utilized optimally.

But here’s where I might diverge from conventional analysis—I don’t think Chua’s impact is purely statistical. Watch any Terrafirma game, and you’ll see how his mere presence forces opponents to adjust their entire defensive scheme. They can’t help but sink into the paint, which creates open looks from beyond the arc. In my view, this gravitational pull he exerts is what makes him revolutionary. It reminds me of how June Mar Fajardo changed the game years ago, though Chua brings a different skill set. He’s more mobile, comfortable stepping out, and honestly, I think he has quicker hands defensively.

Of course, no player is perfect. Chua could stand to improve his free-throw shooting—I’d guess he’s shooting about 65% from the line, which isn’t terrible for a big man but leaves room for growth. And while his footwork is generally good, there are moments when quicker opponents can exploit him in space. But these are coachable areas, and if Terrafirma’s staff focuses on them, we could see an even more complete player by season’s end.

When I step back and look at the bigger picture, Chua represents a new breed of PBA big men—versatile, skilled, and essential to any playoff aspiration. Coach Chiu’s commitment to building a competitive team around such a talent makes perfect sense. In my opinion, Terrafirma’s success this season will hinge significantly on how they leverage Chua’s unique abilities. If they can surround him with shooters and playmakers who complement his style, I’m confident they’ll not only reach the playoffs but potentially surprise a few top-seeded teams along the way. The days of the traditional, back-to-the-basket center are fading, and players like Justin Chua are leading the charge into basketball’s future—one smart possession at a time.