Even without its stars, the TNT Tropang 5G recovered from a 0-3 start and reached the Finals of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Once and for all, Chot Reyes ended the debate among fans built on the premise that TNT, the team he coaches, only wins championships because of a certain import.
“I think I’m tied with coach Leo for the most number of All-Filipino championships among active coaches. Pareho kaming six. That answers the question,” Reyes said during the presser for the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals Friday, June 11.
This was Reyes’ swift response when asked about the “Asa sa import” remark made by some netizens, stemming from TNT winning the first two championships this season behind super reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
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But history suggests otherwise.
As Reyes said, he is tied with San Miguel’s Leo Austria as active coaches with the most All-Filipino titles with six.
The former Gilas mentor, in his return to the league after his national team duties, steered the franchise to the 2021 Philippine Cup title.
TNT, even without RHJ and injured star players like Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac, also reached the Finals of the ongoing season-ending meet.
A win against the Beermen in this upcoming finale means two things for Reyes: he will go one up over Austria, and make himself a Grand Slam coach after his friend Tim Cone achieved the feat as chief tactician of then-San Mig Coffee in 2014.
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Still, Reyes insists that he only has his mind set on winning the Finals opener Sunday, July 13.
“Believe it or not, hindi ko talaga iniisip ang Grand Slam. Even up to now, when I come to coach, I coach what’s in front of me,” Reyes said.
The Tropang 5G and the Beermen kick off the hostilities in the championship round at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.