Enciso makes Tropang 5G return

TNT Tropang Giga brought back veteran guard Simon Enciso to fortify its backcourt for its grand slam bid in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.

An unrestricted free agent after parting ways with San Miguel Beer after the Commissioner’s Cup, the 34-year-old guard will once again don the Tropang 5G jersey after five years as announced by the franchise Tuesday.

The second-round pick in the 2015 Draft will bring a wealth of experience to the point guard position as TNT aims to complete a sweep of the season.

Enciso, who has already played for six teams, will play a major role in bringing stability to the Tropang 5G, who will be missing the services of elder statesman Jayson Castro.

Castro has been ruled out of the season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in Game 2 of the mid-season conference semifinals. He underwent surgery and would need at least a year to recover and rehabilitate.

Enciso last played for TNT back in 2020 when the team finished runner-up to Barangay Ginebra in the Philippine Cup bubble in Clark, Pampanga.

He was traded to Blackwater in March 2021 before getting shipped to Terrafirma after six months. Enciso never had a chance to suit up for the Dyip, though, as he was traded to San Miguel Beer for Alex Cabagnot two months later.

The Filipino-American played a relief role for the stacked Beermen where he won two titles in the 2022 Philippine Cup and 2023 Commissioner’s Cup.

Enciso’s presence has added depth to TNT’s remaining backcourt led by Commissioner’s Cup finals Most Valuable Player Rey Nambatac, RR Pogoy, Brian Heruela and Jielo Razon.