TNT, Ginebra begin title showdown

CEBU, Philippines — The Chot Reyes-mentored TNT Tropang Giga and the Barangay Ginebra Kings of coach Tim Cone will kick off their best-of-seven finals series for the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup crown today (Friday, March 14)

at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Game time is set at 7:30 p.m.

While imports Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of TNT and Justin Brownlee of Ginebra are expected to be at the center of attraction, the local players hold a vital role in this high-stakes clash.

But without their injured top guard Jayson Castro, the Finals MVP when TNT closed out Ginebra in six games to emerge as champions of the Governor’s Cup in November last year, Reyes said the Tropang Giga will face an uphill battle against the revitalized Kings.

“Jayson is much more than just the skills he brings to the table. It’s a lot of other things - leadership, maturity, reading the game. So in a finals, those are very, very important. Those are critical elements,” said Reyes. “Our ability to play at a high level without Jayson will be key.”

Reyes thinks no one can fill in the void left by Castro but TNT’s back-up playmaker Rey Nambatac is ready to embrace the challenge.

“Nabigla rin ako sa nangyari sa pagka-injury ni kuya Jayson. Na-pressure din ako,” said Nambatac. “At least kahit paano na-overcome ko na ‘yung pressure na ‘yun and na-realize ko na instead na bumaba yung morale ko, tinake ko siya as motivation and a positive (thing) na rin para lumabas yung laro ko and makatulong pa rin sa team namin.”

On Ginebra’s side, Stephen Holt expressed confidence on their chances against the Tropang Giga this time.

“It’s a big blessing: Two conferences, two finals appearances, definitely won’t take these moments for granted. It’s all due to our hard work individually and as a group, as a team,” said Holt, who is eyeing for his first PBA title like his teammates Maverick Ahanmisi and RJ Abarrientos.

“And, obviously, we’re very confident. We like our chances and this is why we compete. Two great teams, two great coaches and a lot of great players. So, let’s just roll the dice and see what happens.”

Adding boost to Ginebra’s quest for glory is the return of Jamie Malonzo from calf injury and Jeremiah Gray getting better coming off knee issues.

And then there’s Troy Rosario, whom coach Chot sees as a huge nightmare for the Tropang Giga even though he’s only playing in his first conference with the Kings this season.

“He wasn’t there in our last final, so that’s going to be a big factor,” said Reyes. — Report from PBA.ph