Every draft has its surprises. Sometimes, it’s a high pick who doesn’t pan out. Other times, it’s the name called in the late rounds—almost an afterthought—that turns heads when the games begin. For Terrafirma Dyip, that surprise has a name: JM Bravo.

Picked 56th overall in the sixth round of the 2025 PBA Draft, Bravo wasn’t expected to make much noise. Let’s be honest—most sixth-rounders don’t even crack the regular rotation, if they make the team at all. But Bravo clearly didn’t get that memo. Instead, he came in with something to prove—and in just a few games, he’s already making his mark.

A Breakout Moment

In Terrafirma’s impressive 97–91 upset win over NLEX, Bravo showed exactly why he belongs in the PBA. He finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds—numbers you’d expect from a first-rounder, not a late pick. But it wasn’t just the stats. It was the way he played: aggressive, confident, and composed.

During the third quarter, Bravo dropped 10 points and helped Terrafirma take control of the game. In the fourth, with NLEX breathing down their necks, he calmly knocked down two free throws and even delivered the final layup that sealed the win. No fear. No hesitation. Just poise under pressure.

More Than a Fluke

One good game could easily be dismissed as a fluke. But Bravo’s impact feels different. There’s an edge to him, a hunger that can’t be taught. He doesn’t play like someone who’s happy just to be here. He plays like someone who knows he deserves to be here.

Bravo’s energy, decision-making, and hustle have given Terrafirma a new spark. For a team looking to climb out of the league’s lower ranks, having a guy like him—someone who plays like every possession matters—is a huge boost.

Underrated, Not Undervalued

What makes Bravo’s rise even more impressive is where he came from. Late-round picks often carry the label of “role player at best.” But sometimes, that chip on the shoulder becomes a weapon. You can tell he’s playing with something to prove—not just to the coaches or the fans, but to himself.

It also speaks volumes about Terrafirma’s scouting and coaching staff. Finding a gem that deep in the draft isn’t easy. Developing him is even harder. But so far, it looks like they hit on something special.

Still a Long Road Ahead

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves—Bravo is still early in his rookie season. Defenses will adjust. Teams will start game-planning for him. The challenge now is consistency. Can he keep producing when teams start targeting him? Can he keep his confidence even when the shots aren’t falling?

But if his debut performances are any indication, Bravo isn’t just here for a cup of coffee. He’s here to compete.