Despite TNT's latest setback in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, coach Chot Reyes knows he can rely on players like Almond Vosotros to deliver.
As injuries continued to pile up for TNT, coach Chot Reyes knew he needed to dig deep.
That’s why the multi-titled coach fielded in Almond Vosotros when the Tropang 5G squared off with San Miguel in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals Friday, July 18.
Though the Tropang 5G eventually lost via a 20-point beatdown, 88-108, Vosotros has just proven time and again that he could be that much-needed spark off the bench.
The pint-sized guard nailed four triples for 14 points in nearly 13 minutes of play for TNT, which slipped to 1-2 in the best-of-seven clash.
“For me naman, alam ko 'yong role ko dito sa team. Kung natatandanan ninyo, sinabi ni coach Chot (Reyes, TNT head coach) noong first game ko against NorthPort, kaya niya ako pinabalik dito [kasi] may kaunting kapal pa [ako] ng mukha,” said Vosotros.
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Vosotros was referring to his first game back in a TNT uniform last May 30 after initially being released by the team.
The streak shooter, who had to cancel his trip to Japan with his family to report for duty at the time, shot three triples on his way to 12 points to spark the team’s offense in their 94-70 win over the Batang Pier in the elimination round.
Like in that match, the former La Salle star was physically and mentally ready to show his wares whenever the Tropang 5G needed him most.
“'Yon ang advantage ko kasi I’ve been in TNT for almost seven years na rin siguro. 'Yong experience [ko], nandoon and 'yong confidence naman, laging nandito,” said Vosotros.
“Being ready lang all the time kasi alam ko, si coach Chot, 'yong trust niya, laging nandiyan,” he added.
Vosotros and the Tropang 5G now look to get back on track when they duke it out with SMB anew in Game 4 Sunday, July 20, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.