Nobody can fill the void left by Jayson Castro. But TNT Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes would want to see the locals, especially Rey Nambatac, to step up.
TNT coach Chot Reyes could not help but be pleased to see Rey Nambatac back in his element in the last two games of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
That is because Nambatac had been a non-factor in Games 1 to 3 of the Tropang Giga's best-of-seven tussle with Rain or Shine, where he only averaged three points.
With Jayson Castro out due to a patellar tendon tear, Reyes urged the spitfire guard to make his presence felt.
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“I told Rey we don’t need another Jayson Castro. We need Sting Rey. We need to see the sting,” said Reyes after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Rey Nambatac shows what he can do in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semifinals between his TNT Tropang Giga and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Nambatac did show up.
In the series-clinching 97-92 win in Game 5 Friday, March 7, the former NCAA champion from Letran put up 12 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
It was exactly what the doctor ordered for the Tropang Giga, who are now back in the Finals for the second time this season.
“I think that woke him up a little bit. That’s the game we need from him. So I said, 'We need Sting Rey. Nobody can fill Jayson’s shoes. We need Sting Rey.' Luckily, he responded,” Reyes added.
After their conversation, Reyes said Nambatac had been working hard at practice, extending his stay at the venue for extra work with the team's assistant coaches.
That worked wonders.
“Credit to him. He really worked hard, double time. Took a lot of extra shots, a lot of work in practice,” the veteran tactician said.
“Even after our practice yesterday — it’s a very light practice — but he stayed with the assistant coaches to continue working. So, really, credit to him.”
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Nambatac is expected to take the same vital role when the Tropang Giga collide with Ginebra in the Finals which kicks off March 14.