Games today:
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. — NLEX vs TNT
7 p.m. — Terrafirma vs Ginebra
TNT makes its debut in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup sporting a new moniker but fueled by the same motivation of completing an elusive grand slam.
Fresh off a much-deserved rest following a grueling conquest of the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup, the Tropang 5G test their mettle in their all-Filipino tournament opener against dangerous NLEX today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tipoff is at 5 p.m., followed by Barangay Ginebra’s initial outing against slumping Terrafirma at 7:30 p.m.
TNT tries to carry the momentum of its successful second straight title run, which put it in a prime albeit pressure-packed position to aim for a three-conference season sweep — the franchise’s second shot at glory after falling short in the 2010-2011 season.
Behind three-time Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the Tropang 5G ruled the foreign guest player-infused Governors’ and Commissioner’s Cups — all at the expense of the Gin Kings.
This time, TNT is motivated by its axe to grind against critics as they try to banish their infamous “asa sa import” tag.
“It is something that they need to come together and talk about, ‘Hey, we have to show that we can win without Rondae.’ And this is the biggest opportunity for them to show that,” Tropang 5G team manager Jojo Lastimosa said.
TNT set up a training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna to build up for the season-ending contest and reintegrate returning guard Simon Enciso into coach Chot Reyes’ system.
Enciso, who signed a two-year deal with the Tropang 5G after his contract with San Miguel Beer expired, will play a vital role as a reinforcement to the team’s backcourt, which is missing grizzled court general Jayson Castro due to a knee injury.
Still, TNT remains a formidable team parading an intact main crew led by Commissioner’s Cup Finals Most Valuable Player Rey Nambatac, RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, finals Game 7 difference-maker Glenn Khobuntin, Kelly Williams and Poy Erram.
The Road Warriors, on the other hand, are bracing for a grind-it-out game as they eye a second straight win after scoring a 109-95 victory over Rain or Shine last week for an even 1-1 slate.
“It’s hard to say that we will take advantage of their (Tropang 5G) long layoff,” NLEX head coach Jong Uichico said.
“But TNT is TNT.”
Rookie Xyrus Torres and scoring leader Robert Bolick, who combined for 51 points last game, will be at the forefront of the Road Warriors’ attempt to spoil TNT’s debut.
Barangay Ginebra, meanwhile, is eager to redeem itself from another stinging championship loss.
Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, Stephen Holt, Troy Rosario and top rookie RJ Abarrientos are out to give the Gin Kings a rousing start.
But the Dyip are also determined to halt a two-game slide after starting their campaign on a winning note.
Terrafirma is tied with idle Phoenix with a 1-2 card.