New Conference. New Name: Kia Gets Rebranded as Columbian Dyip

Photo by the PBA Media Bureau

But will change of name bring better fortune?

If you have seen the initial schedule of the PBA for the mid-season Commissioner's Cup, then you must have noticed the name, "Columbian Dyip". Many fans asked the same question: What is that Columbian Dyip? Is that a new team?

Nope. It might sound like a new team but clearly, it's the very same team that dwelled in the bottom of the standings during the Philippine Cup.

Yep, the Kia Picanto has been rebranded, again and it will be now known as the Columbian Dyip starting this coming Commissioner's Cup. The recent change in its name marked the 6th time that it changed in the franchise's 4-year stay in the PBA.

The Picanto name, however, will be one of the darkest and most controversial names that will be remembered the most. Why?

They traded away the chance to pick Christian Standhardinger in last year's draft to the mighty San Miguel Beermen- a move that consequently cost then Commissioner Chito Narvasa his job because he approved the deal when it was heavily questioned. Then, then Kia Head Coach Chris Gavina resigned just a few games into the Philippine Cup and Ricky Dandan took over from that point on. Kia managed to break a 16-game losing streak but returned to their losing habit right after winning a game. They even came close to an upset victory over the Beermen but the victory never materialized. They finished their Philippine Cup campaign with a horrible 1-10 record.

Conclusion: New Name. Same Old Team?

Unless the Columbian Dyip can prove that they are a better team compared to when they were known as the Kia Picanto, it's basically the same team. Unless they can prove that they can compete AND win against the best of the bests in the PBA, they can change their name but not what the fans have come to know about them. But then again, a change in their name might what this team needs to change their mindset that yes, they do belong in the PBA. 

Who knows? Ricky Dandan might have figured it out already how to make the Dyip run like a well-oiled engine. The only question is: who among his players will take the driver's seat and lead them to victories?