I still remember the first time I saw Vince Sison step onto the PBA court—there was this raw energy about him that you couldn't ignore. Back then, he was just another hopeful trying to make his mark in Philippine basketball, but what struck me was his work ethic. While others were celebrating after practice, Vince would be taking extra shots, studying game footage, or working on his conditioning. That dedication, I believe, is what separates good players from great ones, and it's exactly what has fueled his remarkable transformation in the PBA.
When Vince joined Terrafirma, there were plenty of skeptics. The team had been struggling, and many wondered if he was the right fit. But what people didn't see was how perfectly his style meshed with coach Franz Diaz's system. Franz has this knack for identifying players who thrive under pressure, and he saw something special in Vince—a combination of agility, basketball IQ, and that relentless drive to improve. I've followed Franz's career for years, and I can tell you he doesn't hand out compliments easily. So when he started praising Vince's adaptability and court vision during practice sessions, I knew we were witnessing the beginning of something big.
The turning point came during the 2022 season. Vince was averaging around 8 points per game initially, but by mid-season, that number jumped to nearly 15. I remember analyzing his shooting percentages—his three-point accuracy improved from 28% to 36% in just four months. That's not just luck; that's countless hours in the gym. What impressed me most was how he developed his playmaking. He went from being primarily a scorer to someone who could read defenses and create opportunities for his teammates. In one particular game against Ginebra, he dished out 12 assists while committing only 2 turnovers. Those numbers might not seem staggering to casual fans, but for those who understand PBA basketball, they signal a player who's evolving into a complete package.
What really stands out about Vince's journey is how he's embraced the mental aspect of the game. I've had conversations with him during post-game interviews, and he always emphasizes studying opponents' tendencies. He told me once that he spends at least two hours daily watching game tapes—not just highlights, but full games, focusing on defensive rotations and pick-and-roll situations. That level of dedication reminds me of some PBA legends I've covered throughout my career. It's one thing to have physical talent, but the great ones always have that extra gear mentally.
His partnership with Franz Diaz has been particularly fascinating to observe. Franz has implemented systems that maximize Vince's strengths—using him in off-ball screens and giving him the freedom to push in transition. I've noticed Vince taking more calculated risks this season, something Franz actively encourages. There was this play against San Miguel where Vince intercepted a pass and went coast-to-coast for a layup despite having two defenders on him. That's the kind of confidence that comes from having a coach who trusts your instincts. From my perspective, their synergy reminds me of other successful player-coach duos in PBA history, though I'd argue Vince and Franz have developed theirs in record time.
Off the court, Vince has been equally impressive. I've seen him interact with fans—he'll stay after games for photos and signatures long after other players have headed to the locker room. That connection with the community matters more than people realize. It builds a loyal following and takes pressure off during rough patches. When he missed three games due to an ankle sprain last season, the outpouring of support on social media was incredible. That's not something you can manufacture; it's earned through genuine engagement.
Looking at his statistics over the past two seasons, the progression is undeniable. His player efficiency rating climbed from 12.8 to 16.4, his assists per game increased from 4.2 to 6.8, and perhaps most tellingly, his team's winning percentage with him on the court improved by nearly 18%. These aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet—they represent a player who's figuring out how to impact winning beyond scoring. I've been covering the PBA for over fifteen years, and I can count on one hand the number of players who've shown this rate of improvement in their first three seasons.
What excites me most about Vince's future isn't just his individual growth, but how he's elevating his teammates. I've watched practice sessions where he's working with younger players, sharing insights about reading defenses. That leadership quality is something you can't teach. While some rising stars focus solely on their own stats, Vince understands that basketball remains a team sport. His willingness to mentor rookies while still establishing his own career speaks volumes about his character.
As Vince continues his PBA journey, I'm convinced we're watching a future star in the making. His combination of skill development, basketball intelligence, and that intangible will to win makes him one of the most compelling stories in Philippine basketball today. The transformation from raw prospect to cornerstone player doesn't happen overnight—it requires the right environment, the right coaching, and most importantly, the right mindset. Based on what I've observed, Vince Sison checks all those boxes. The PBA has seen many promising careers flame out, but something tells me Vince's story is just getting started.
