TNT starts PH Cup buildup with training camp in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines — With a big target on its back in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, TNT is leaving no stones unturned in its quest for a grand slam after pitching camp on Monday at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

The proud franchise owned by sportsman-businessman Manny V. Pangilinan also enters the All-Filipino conference with a new moniker, with the team now carrying the Tropang 5G label.

Coach Chot Reyes, the architect behind TNT's back-to-back title conquests in the Governors' Cup and Commissioner's Cup, knows that hard work is needed for the Tropang 5G to realize the gargantuan task of winning the grand slam.

"I've learned all through my life that if you work hard, you put yourself in a good chance that good things will happen. It's not a guarantee, but at least, you put yourself in a good position. That's what we've done," Reyes said.

In both championships this season, Reyes' wards defeated the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the Finals.

And as the team spends time at the training camp till Holy Wednesday, Reyes hopes the players will be able to solidify their bond, knowing the degree of difficulty they are about to undergo when they begin their Philippine Cup campaign on April 23.

Of course, TNT will start the All-Filipino conference without ace combo guard Jayson Castro, out for the remainder of the season due to a recent knee surgery.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the leader of the team during the franchise's championships in the import-spiced, won't be around, too.

The good news is, the Tropang 5G added backcourt firepower with the return of veteran Simon Enciso, whom the team acquired from free agency.

The 17th overall pick by Rain or Shine in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft is returning to TNT after his brief stint with the franchise in 2020 Philippine Cup bubble in Clark, Pampanga where TNT placed second behind Barangay Ginebra.

Enciso easily adds depth, owing to his experience and ability to score from the outside.

The Filipino-American guard has won two championships during his four-year stint with San Miguel Beer.

"With the absence of Jayson, we need another point guard," said Reyes.

TNT kicks off its All-Filipino championship bid on April 23 when it clashes with the Robert Bolic-led NLEX at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.