Khobuntin nears ‘Perfect 76’

Barring any incident that would prevent him from suiting up for TNT, Glenn Khobuntin is on his way to becoming the only player in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history to play the most games in a single season.

The Tropang 5G forward has not missed a single outing and remained serviceable in 74 grueling matches in the 49th season.

Khobuntin’s number of games played in a season is tied with the appearances of current TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa when he was still playing for the Alaska Milkmen back in 1995.

The 33-year-old veteran could surpass that today in Game 6 of the Philippine Cup finals against San Miguel Beer at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

“I’m not really aware of that. Coach Chot (Reyes) told me about it just a while ago. I was surprised that I’m tied with coach Jolas (with most games played),” Khobuntin said after the Tropang 5G extended the best-of-seven series with an 86-78 win in Game 5 Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Khobuntin played more than 18 minutes in his 74th straight game of the season and finished with two points, three rebounds and one steal as TNT kept its grand slam aspirations alive.

In a team that has been plagued by the vicious bite of injuries, being spared from getting sidelined is a blessing for Khobuntin.

“It didn’t cross my mind that there’s that kind of record. But I’m just thankful. At least I didn’t get any injuries and I’m still able to play,” he said.

The National University product is also grateful for the opportunity and trust given to him by Reyes to contribute for the team’s cause each outing.

“Just thankful also for the trust given to me. You can never tell that you’ll be able to play that many games. But as long as I can play, I’ll play. I guess that’s my mindset,” he said.

Khobuntin will definitely see more minutes for the Tropang 5G with center Poy Erram set to miss the remainder of the season due to a meniscus tear injury that requires surgery. His presence is needed to get another body to defend Beermen goliath June Mar Fajardo down low.

TNT, which will be tied with the 1995 Alaska squad with the most games played in a single season at 75, will also rely on Khobuntin’s offense just like what he has shown in the franchise’s earlier Governor’s Cup and Commissioner’s Cup conquests.

And of course, Khobuntin wants his potential record to extend to a 76th game.

“Yes. But I’ll think of Friday’s game first. It’s never easy going up against San Miguel. Hopefully, we’ll get that game on Friday,” he said.

Khobuntin shared that discipline kept him healthy the whole season.

“I think it’s about consistency in workouts. I think that’s the secret. As a player you need that. You can’t just skip workouts especially in a highly-physical game. You just need to keep your muscles ready,” he said.

“Also, proper rest. I’m not really strict on my diet as long as I know the food I take and just in moderation.”

He is Mr. Endurance indeed.