TNT on the spotlight

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RARING for redemption.

After barely making it to the quarterfinals the last time out, TNT sets out on its mission in the season-ending tourney.

With coach Chot Reyes now at the helm anew, the Tropang Giga take on Rain or Shine today as the PBA Philippine Cup opens at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

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The match is set at 7:30 p.m. after Meralco tackles Blackwater in the game kicking off the import-less tilt at 4:30.

Reyes is returning to the MVP group’s flagship ballclub after focusing on his job as Gilas Pilipinas tactician in last year’s FIBA World Cup.

He promptly made big moves in his comeback, getting big man Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser in a three-team trade that also involved the Bossing and NLEX last Monday.

In the nightcap, Bolts strategist Luigi Trillo is not one to look past a Blackwater side now boosted by Rey Nambatac and former two-time MVP James Yap, which they acquired via trade and free agency, respectively.

“We have to be on our toes, kasi ang mga teams na iyan matataas ang kumpiyansa starting out a conference,” Trillo said. “Wala pa silang pressure, hindi pa sila na-da-down.

Kumbaga, buo pa kumpiyansa nila.”

Bossing counterpart Jeffrey Cariaso is treating their duel with Meralco with guarded optimism.

“I’m very optimistic, very positive,” Cariaso said of his overhauled line-up.

Aside from Yap and Nambatac, Blackwater can count on new additions Justin Chua and Jaydee Tungcab who took the place of Baser Amer, Ato Ular, Gab Banal, Rashawn McCarthy and Yousef Taha, who were either traded or released.

“Happy kami sa composition ng team, sa lineup,” Cariaso said. “It’s now about moving forward, learning about each other more and improving as a team.”

The Bolts will still have Chris Newsome, Aaron Black, Chris Banchero, Allein Maliksi, Bong Quinto, and Raymond Almazan.

The likes of Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy, and Kelly Williams will be counted upon anew by TNT to deliver.

The Elasto Painters will parade an intact crew bannered by Andrei Caracut, Leonard Santillan, Gian Mamuyac, Keith Datu, and veterans Beau Belga and Gabe Norwood.

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