TNT issues wanted poster

TNT is leaving no stone unturned in its bid for a rare grand slam in the 49th season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

And that means plugging a gaping hole in the point guard position with barely a week before action in the Philippine Cup erupts.

Tropang Giga team manager Jojo Lastimosa shared that their front office is looking at all available options to get a key piece or two to beef up their backcourt in the absence of injured veteran guard Jayson Castro.

TNT captured the Commissioner’s Cup title at the expense of Barangay Ginebra in an epic seven-game series for its second championship of the season sans Castro, who sustained a season-ending patellar tendon tear on his right knee during the semifinals against Rain or Shine.

Behind three-time Best Import winner Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the Tropang Giga ruled the first two tournaments, starting with retaining the Governors’ Cup crown.

However, TNT this time will have to rely on its locals in an all-Filipino format.

Bringing someone to back up Commissioner’s Cup Finals Most Valuable Player Rey Nambatac and veteran RR Pogoy is an urgent matter, according to Lastimosa.

“We’re pretty banged up now and undermanned. And we don’t have Jayson. But I’m hoping that in the next conference, I can swing some deals to get a point guard. So, that’s my immediate plan, actually,” Lastimosa said right after the Tropang Giga beat the Kings, 87-83, in Game 7 last Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum for the franchise’s 11th title overall.

Among the names that floated as probable prospects for the position is former TNT guard Mikey Williams, who had a controversial split with the club after a breakdown in his negotiation for a new deal in 2023.

The two-time Finals MVP was seen in the Tropang Giga’s elimination round win over Ginebra back in January, raising speculations of his return.

Lastimosa, however, was cold about Williams’ TNT comeback.

In fact, he refuted reports that the guard is already communicating with head coach Chot Reyes and the TNT management.

“If he really wanted to, he could’ve easily said hi to Chot, to me… actually, never mind me. But it seemed he’s not interested,” Lastimosa said.

“We’re fine without him. It would’ve been nice if he were here.”

TNT will have a short break before hitting the gym to prepare for the season-ending tournament.

“We are very determined,” Lastimosa said of TNT’s bid to join Crispa, San Miguel, Alaska and San Mig Coffee in the elite club of grand slam winners.

“In fact, we have a scheduled training camp at the Inspire (Sports Academy in Laguna) on April 14. We will be there for five days and practice through Holy Week. So we’ll be cramming because we have something to shoot for.”