Reyes heaps praises on backup guards

TNT head coach Chot Reyes underscored the value of backup guards Almond Vosotros and Simon Enciso in the team’s campaign in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinals series.

Facing an aggressively physical run-and-gun team in Rain or Shine, the duo has efficiently held the line and plugged the gaping hole in the grand slam-seeking Tropang 5G’s depleted backcourt due to injury woes.

TNT built a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series sans injured Jayson Castro, Rey Nambatac and Brian Heruela, all thanks to the hard work of the two relievers.

Reyes praised Vosotros’ huge role on the floor by buying much-needed minutes of rest for Jordan Heading, who has been dealing with back issues since his mid-conference transfer to TNT.

His effort proved valuable in Game 2, preserving Heading’s legs for the extra period in a 113-105 come-from-behind overtime victory Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“That’s the value of an Almond Vosotros,” Reyes said of the veteran, who TNT signed late May following point guard Jielo Razon’s appendectomy.

“Because we are able to rest Jordan for extended periods in the first half. So, if Almond is contributing. Simon, we already know Simon is a solid backup guard,” he added.

“They can give an extra five or six minutes for Jordan to rest. Then we know he has endurance and stamina for the endgame because he is far from 100 percent. But he is just a very gutsy player. But that’s it. We can’t push him.”

Reyes will be relying again on Vosotros and Enciso in Game 3, still being played as of press time at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, to inch closer to a third straight finals appearance in the season.

Their contributions will be needed as starter combo guard RR Pogoy is ruled doubtful after aggravating left hamstring injury in the early going of the second quarter in Game 2.