NOW FOR THE HARD PART
Chot Reyes found something almost philosophical in the simple fact that TNT Tropang 5G is back in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, again with a chance to turn the tables on San Miguel Beermen.
“I have always believed that 50 percent of success in life lies in showing up,” Reyes said.
Reyes and the Tropang 5G have already done the showing-up part. Now, they look to complete the other half when their title rematch begins at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Center.
TNT fell short in its previous bid, with San Miguel claiming the All-Filipino crown last season via a 4-2 series victory.
“If you don’t show up, then you have no chance. And that is our approach going into the Finals,” Reyes added. “Fifty percent of the work is getting here. But that doesn’t automatically guarantee you success. The other 50 percent still has to be done.”
The Beermen, meanwhile, have made a habit of finishing the job. They have won the PBA’s most prestigious title seven times in 10 editions dating back to 2015, a run that continues to define the modern era of the all-Filipino tournament.
As reigning holders of the Jun Bernardino Perpetual Trophy, San Miguel enters the series as slight favorites despite June Mar Fajardo nursing an ailing shoulder. The Beermen remain deep and dangerous, with Don Trollano in form and a veteran cast led by Jericho Cruz, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, Mo Tautuaa and CJ Perez, who is coming off a 41-point outburst in the semifinals clincher against Barangay Ginebra.
“That other 50 percent is represented by the other side, which is very, very formidable,” Reyes said. “We all know that San Miguel has dominated the All-Filipino for practically the last decade.”
Austria cautious
Across the bench, Leo Austria is just as pleased to be back on the Finals stage, where he seeks to keep his Philippine Cup record spotless at seven titles in seven appearances.
Austria’s latest championship run last July further cemented his standing among the PBA’s coaching elite, but the veteran tactician remains cautious.
“A lot of people are expecting us to dominate,” Austria said. “But for me, it’s not that easy, because after winning a championship, a lot of teams are thinking about how to get that championship from us, including TNT.”
The Tropang 5G retooled in the offseason, adding Jio Jalalon and Kevin Ferrer to complement an already deep roster anchored by Jordan Heading, Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy—still doubtful with a hamstring injury—Rey Nambatac, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Poy Erram.
Reyes acknowledged that the moves were made not only as insurance against injuries, but also with San Miguel firmly in mind.
“They’ve been playing well, especially in the semifinals,” Austria said of TNT. “Also, the last time we won the championship was not just because of our effort, but maybe because they had a lot of players who were injured.
“But this time, I’m expecting a very tough opponent. If you lose a championship, you’re always thinking about how to get back. On our part, every game, every championship, we want to win.”
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