Without Jayson Castro, The TNT Tropang Giga ready themselves against a Ginebra Gin Kings side featuring Troy Rosario and Jamie Malonzo in the PBA Finals.
TNT coach Chot Reyes was not overstating when he said that the Tropang Giga will have a tough time against Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
That’s because the Tropang Giga also have to deal with their former teammate Troy Rosario and the comebacking Jamie Malonzo in the best-of-seven finale.
Both did not see action when TNT disposed of the Gin Kings in this season’s Governors’ Cup Finals.
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“With great difficulty,” Reyes said when asked how the team will navigate the series against a Ginebra side featuring the duo.
Reyes then enumerated what makes Rosario a bane for the Tropang Giga.
“Troy brings a lot more than just his skills and his talent to a game. His willingness to do whatever it takes. He's a great teammate,” he said.
The TNT Tropang Giga will face their former teammate, Troy Rosario, in the other side of the court as he will rally the Ginebra Gin Kings in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
“So, there's so many intangibles when you talk about Troy. He wasn't there in our last Final, so that's going to be a big factor.”
Then there’s Malonzo, who has appeared to be almost at full strength after returning from a calf injury in January.
“But so is Jamie. Jamie as well is going to be 100 percent right now. And that's another factor that we have to contend with,” said Reyes.
Jamie Malonzo has already recovered from the calf injury that sidelined him in the latest championship clash between his Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings and the TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
But Reyes is also quick to embrace the challenge. After all, this makes the brewing rivalry between the two well-coached squads worthwhile.
“So, it's a really tall order for us. But these are the challenges that make any competition worthwhile, right? When you're faced with very tall odds and still, you find ways to at least compete and give yourself a chance. And I think that is our mentality going into this series,” Reyes said.
The series opener is slated Friday, March 14, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.