TNT and Rain or Shine, which emerged atop Group A and B after the elimination round, respectively, could end up facing each other as early as the semifinals of the PBA Season 48 Governors’ Cup.
Not a few were surprised when the PBA released the schedule for the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup playoffs.
Count TNT coach Chot Reyes among them.
Reyes admitted being shocked when he saw that no. 1 teams TNT Tropang Giga and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters could end up facing each other as early as the semifinals.
It's a rather unusual development as opposing top seeds would usually only meet in the Finals if both manage to advance.
“Nung nilabas. Nung ni-release nila, what, two days ago? 'Yung may stepladder na ganoon. Doon ko lang napansin 'yun,” he told reporters after a 107-102 win over NLEX in their quarterfinal opener on Wednesday, September 25.
[Related: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, TNT rally past NLEX to gain headstart in PBA quarterfinals]
Asked if he felt the format disincentivizes the top teams at the end of the elimination round, Reyes was somewhat in between.
“Pag tiningnan mo naman 'yung mga teams that are remaining, wala namang mahina eh. Doesn't matter 'di ba?” he said.
“You really have still be at your best, regardless. In my mind, like I said, I'll just focus on the things within our control, and see whatever happens in the future, happens. We just have to be ready for it.”
Like the rest of the league, the many-time champion mentor cannot do anything about the bracket now now since it was already approved by the PBA Board.
Right now, coach Chot and the Tropang Giga are simply focused on getting two more wins to advance to the semifinals, where a potential showdown with Rain or Shine looms.
“I was surprised. I didn't expect it. But if that's what was approved by the PBA Board, then we have to abide by it. It is what it is, right?” Reyes said.
“For now, our focus is just on this series first. Like I said, it's unusual, I was surprised. Naapprove 'yan ng Board so wala tayong magagawa.”