MANILA, Philippines — TNT Tropang Giga is heading into the PBA Philippine Cup Finals with a battered roster, but head coach Chot Reyes insists that their belief remains at an all-time high.
As the best-of-seven series against the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen kicks off, TNT finds itself in a familiar but difficult position. Sharpshooter Roger Pogoy is currently doubtful for Game 1 due to a recurring hamstring injury that sidelined him during the closing games of the semifinals against Meralco. Veterans Jayson Castro and others are also managing minor knocks, leaving the Tropang Giga’s rotation thin for the championship round.
Next Man Up Mentality Despite the health concerns, Reyes is leaning into a “next man up” philosophy. “If we come into this series with anything less than 100 percent belief, then we have no chance,” Reyes said during the pre-Finals press conference at Novotel. “We have to have the belief that regardless of who’s healthy, we are going to play our best game.”
The team will look toward the likes of Jordan Heading and former Finals MVP Rey Nambatac to carry the offensive load if Pogoy remains out. Nambatac’s veteran poise and Heading’s perimeter shooting will be crucial in countering the Beermen’s depth.
The Giant in the Room TNT is well aware of the challenge ahead. San Miguel, led by coach Leo Austria and the ever-dominant June Mar Fajardo, is widely considered the favorite in this all-Filipino conference. Reyes acknowledged the strength of their opponent, noting that even a “perfect game” from TNT might not be enough to guarantee a win against a team as deep as the Beermen.
“All we can do is do our best. If that happens to be enough, then so be it,” Reyes added.
The series is a rematch of last year’s finals, where San Miguel took the crown while TNT was also battling significant injuries. For the Tropang Giga, this series is about more than just a trophy—it’s about proving that resilience can overcome a stacked deck.
Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals is set for Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.