The Tropang Giga will open their Governors' Cup campaign against Phoenix on Wednesday.
TNT is eager to rise from the rubbles of a forgettable PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign.
Calvin Oftana said the team is hell bent on rebounding from a conference that saw the powerhouse Tropang Giga miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2018 Governors’ Cup.
“Sobrang gigil kami makabawi,” said Oftana on One Sports’ The Game on Monday. “Focused talaga lahat ngayon sa training. Kasi bago lahat, may in-add sa sistema.”
The Tropang Giga forward was referring to the coaching changes as Jojo Lastimosa was designated as head coach while Chot Reyes was named senior consultant. Reyes will focus on Gilas Pilipinas’ preparation for the sixth and final window next month.
TNT swingman Jaydee Tungcab echoed his sentiments.
“Nag-aadjust pa rin kami sa bagong system namin. Focus pa rin sa defense at sa bagong offense namin,” said Tungcab, whose team will also welcome active consultant Slavoljub Guronovic.
So far it’s been all positive for the Tropang Giga in the days leading up to their PBA Governors’ Cup opener, especially as far as chemistry with import Jalen Hudson is concerned.
Oftana said there were some things that need fine-tuning but they are going to be ready for the 5:45 PM game against Phoenix on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
And they are banking on Hudson to lead them back to the playoffs in the season-ending conference.
“So far kasi, in the last two tuneup games maganda ipinapakita niya,” he said of the reinforcement, who recently suited up for Hapoek Upper Galilee in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.
“May mga hindi pagkakainitindihan sa depensa pero normal 'yun kasi kakapasok lang. Bago lang sa'min ginagawa namin. We’re hoping na matulungan niya kami this conference to redeem ourselves as a top team sa liga.”