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  • Chot Reyes confirms beach training has long been a staple of Philippine basketball preparation

    Chot Reyes confirms beach training has long been a staple of Philippine basketball preparation

    The Ateneo de Manila University community and the Philippine basketball fraternity continue to mourn the devastating loss of two promising student-athletes following the deaths of men’s basketball players Divine Adili and Rene Clert Baterbonia during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

     

    The tragedy, which occurred on Monday, June 8, has sent shockwaves across collegiate sports, drawing heartfelt tributes from teammates, coaches, alumni, sports organizations, and basketball fans nationwide. The incident has also sparked renewed discussions about safety protocols during off-court training activities, particularly those conducted in natural environments.

     

    According to the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3), initial reports indicated that Adili and Baterbonia were participating in water-based activities when they were reportedly swept away by strong currents into deeper waters. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and have urged the public to refrain from speculation while fact-finding efforts remain ongoing.

     

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    The heartbreaking event has also prompted veteran coaches and basketball figures to reflect on the role of beach and water-based training in modern conditioning programs. Among those who addressed the issue was former Gilas Pilipinas head coach and current TNT Tropang 5G mentor Chot Reyes, who spoke candidly during an appearance on GMA 7’s Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.

     

    Reyes explained that beach training has long been a staple in basketball conditioning, not only in the Philippines but in various training programs around the world, because of the physical benefits it provides.

     

    “Alam mo, sa sports, not only in basketball, beach training is very effective resistance training. ‘Yung tumatakbo sa bugangin, as against running on regular surfaces. That really promotes stronger footwork, greater cardiovascular endurance. So, maraming gumagawa niyan. We do that. Several times na kami nagpabalik-balik. Difference beaches,” Reyes said.

     

    He emphasized that conditioning methods are carefully integrated into a team’s overall preparation, with different phases designed to build endurance, improve strength, and eventually allow players to recover before competitions.

    “There are, in the entire training pedagogy, if you want to call it, there are times where you have to go to really hard training and then there’s a cycle where you have to rest a little bit in preparation for the actual tournament. So there are different means. Water training is not new,” he added.

     

    Drawing from decades of coaching experience, Reyes revealed that he had incorporated water-based exercises into his own programs as early as his first coaching stint in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). However, he stressed that safety has always been a top priority whenever his teams conducted outdoor training sessions.

     

    According to Reyes, his teams limited water activities to shallow areas, using knee-deep water strictly as a form of resistance during conditioning drills rather than for swimming exercises.

     

    “Sa akin, we have done a lot of activities in beach areas. Sa akin, my teams, we just limit them to running sa buhangin. Not really going into the water. And they were not swimming or, you know, panglangoy kasi sa dami, hindi naman sila swimmer. But it was just that they were, the objective was to put them in knee-deep water to provide more resistance to the activities, whatever, the calisthenics or the activity that they were doing.

     

    “So it’s always a combination of doing those activities. We call that, you create shared memories. That’s how teams are built,” Reyes concluded.

     

    Beyond the physical benefits, Reyes underscored the importance of team-building activities in fostering trust, camaraderie, and chemistry among players—qualities that often translate into stronger performances on the court. He noted that shared experiences outside of basketball can help build the bonds that successful teams rely upon throughout a long and demanding season.

     

    Following the incident, Ateneo de Manila University issued an official statement confirming that the Blue Eagles were conducting a strength and conditioning session in knee-deep water as part of their scheduled team-building program. The university said the players were unexpectedly caught by large waves and powerful currents, resulting in the tragic accident.

     

    As investigations continue, the loss of Adili and Baterbonia has left an immeasurable void within the Ateneo community and Philippine collegiate basketball. Their passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from schools, athletic organizations, former players, and coaches, while also encouraging renewed conversations about risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and safety measures during outdoor training sessions.

     

    For many in the local basketball community, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that while innovative training methods and team-building exercises remain valuable components of athlete development, ensuring the safety and well-being of student-athletes must always remain the highest priority.

     

     

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  • “We’ve Been Here Before”: Chot Reyes, TNT embrace another winner-take-all Finals battle 

    “We’ve Been Here Before”: Chot Reyes, TNT embrace another winner-take-all Finals battle 

    TNT entered Game 6 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals with a simple message: the series would require a full 96-minute effort to overcome Barangay Ginebra.

     

    The number was written on a whiteboard inside the Tropang 5G dugout before Sunday’s game, representing the combined duration of Games 6 and 7 should TNT force a deciding match.

     

    After securing a 98-90 victory and tying the series at 3-3, TNT is now halfway through that goal and will look to complete the job in Game 7 on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    “If we really focus on playing defense, then we can stop this team,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “In our board (before Game 6), we put 96 minutes. We put the No. 96 encircled with a heart. We said let’s play the best 96 minutes of our lives.”

     

    “And now, all we’ve done is get through the first half, and find a way to get ready for the second half on Wednesday,” said Reyes.

     

    The Tropang 5G are familiar with this situation after also defeating Ginebra in a seven-game Commissioner’s Cup Finals series last season. TNT won the last two games of that championship matchup, including an overtime victory in Game 7.

     

    Reyes said the team has maintained the same mindset throughout the current series.

     

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    “We talked about it from the start. We are here for the long game. And now, we are in long game territory. We are just grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to try one more time,” said Reyes.

     

    TNT bounced back from a difficult Game 5 loss, where Ginebra escaped with a 100-95 overtime win behind Justin Brownlee’s 54-point performance.

     

    Despite the setback, Reyes reminded his players that they had previously been in similar situations.

     

    “Obviously, we were pretty down in the dugout but I reminded them in the dugout, we’ve been here before. We know how to do this. And my only message is to clear your minds, clear your hearts, and put their best foot forward,” said Reyes.

     

    “Whatever happens, happens. But like I said, we are prepared for 96 minutes. Now, there’s another 48 to be played,” Reyes added.

     

    Game 7 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, with a large crowd expected as TNT and Ginebra battle for the Commissioner’s Cup championship.

     

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  • “Excellent officiating”: Chot Reyes delivers sarcastic take on officiating after TNT’s Game 3 loss to Ginebra

    “Excellent officiating”: Chot Reyes delivers sarcastic take on officiating after TNT’s Game 3 loss to Ginebra

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved within striking distance of another Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) championship after securing a commanding 116-102 victory over TNT Tropang 5G in Game 3 of the PBA Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, June 7.

     

    The Gin Kings delivered one of their most complete performances of the series, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship showdown behind another stellar display from resident import Justin Brownlee. The veteran forward once again proved why he remains one of the most dominant imports in PBA history, finishing with 41 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals while controlling the game’s tempo on both ends of the floor.

     

    Brownlee received ample support from Ginebra’s local stars. Stephen Holt continued his impressive Finals campaign with 23 points, providing crucial scoring whenever TNT threatened to cut into the lead. Meanwhile, Scottie Thompson showcased his all-around brilliance by recording a triple-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, becoming the engine that kept Ginebra’s offense humming throughout the contest.

     

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    Despite the lopsided scoreline, the postgame discussion quickly shifted to TNT’s frustrations with the officiating. Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes did not hide his displeasure during the postgame press conference, delivering a sarcastic assessment of the referees’ performance.

     

    “Excellent officiating today. I have to commend the officiating crew. Excellent officiating,” Reyes said.

    The veteran coach was visibly animated throughout the game, repeatedly voicing his concerns over several calls and non-calls that he felt disadvantaged his squad. TNT finished the contest with 25 personal fouls, compared to Ginebra’s 19, a disparity that appeared to fuel Reyes’ frustrations on the sidelines.

     

    Still, Reyes refused to place the blame for the defeat solely on the officials, acknowledging that Ginebra were the superior team on the night. He pointed to TNT’s inability to take care of the basketball as a major factor in the loss, with turnovers proving costly against a disciplined and opportunistic Ginebra side.

     

    “They shot extremely well, gotta give it to them. We gave up 20 turnover points,” he added.

     

    Indeed, Ginebra capitalized on nearly every mistake TNT made, converting turnovers into easy baskets and maintaining control for much of the contest. The Gin Kings’ efficient shooting and relentless defensive pressure prevented TNT from establishing any sustained momentum, allowing Ginebra to gradually pull away as the game progressed.

     

    The victory places Ginebra in a strong position as they chase yet another PBA title, but the series remains far from over. TNT has shown throughout the conference that it possesses the talent and resilience to bounce back from adversity, and Reyes will be looking for a more disciplined performance from his players in the next outing.

     

    With the Tropang 5G now facing a series deficit, the pressure shifts squarely onto TNT as it seeks to avoid falling into a dangerous 3-1 hole. Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, where TNT will attempt to level the series and regain momentum, while Ginebra aims to move one step closer to another championship celebration.

     

     

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  • Chot Reyes shifts focus to TNT’s mistakes after Game 3 Finals loss 

    Chot Reyes shifts focus to TNT’s mistakes after Game 3 Finals loss 

    The conversation after Game 3 could have easily centered on the whistles.

     

    Instead, TNT head coach Chot Reyes found himself discussing two battles that have become intertwined throughout the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals — the one against Barangay Ginebra and the one surrounding officiating.

     

    For the third straight game in the championship series, refereeing became a major talking point. But while Reyes delivered comments that immediately drew attention, the veteran coach ultimately acknowledged that TNT’s problems ran deeper than any call or non-call.

     

    After the Tropang 5G absorbed a 116-102 defeat before a packed crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena, Reyes was asked about the officiating crew’s performance.

     

    “Excellent, excellent officiating today,” said Reyes with a straight face. “I have to commend the officiating crew. Excellent officiating.”

     

    Whether the statement was genuine praise or a pointed remark was left open to interpretation.

     

    The issue has followed the series from the opening game.

     

    Reyes questioned the final sequence of Game 1, believing Justin Brownlee committed a foul on Calvin Oftana during TNT’s last-second attempt to force overtime. In Game 2, it was Ginebra coach Tim Cone who publicly expressed frustration, describing the officiating as “terrible” after his team’s defeat.

     

    By Game 3, the spotlight once again drifted toward the referees after Reyes was assessed a technical foul in the third quarter while repeatedly voicing his displeasure over several calls.

     

    Yet despite the attention generated by his comments, Reyes was careful not to pin the loss solely on officiating.

     

    The veteran mentor instead pointed to the areas where TNT failed to help itself.

     

    “We gave up 20 turnover points,” Reyes noted.

     

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    For a team that thrives on discipline and execution, that number proved costly.

     

    TNT committed mistakes that Ginebra consistently converted into easy scoring opportunities, creating a gap that became difficult to overcome despite several comeback attempts.

     

    The Kings were also significantly more efficient offensively.

     

    Ginebra connected on 51.9 percent of its field-goal attempts, while TNT shot just 43.9 percent from the floor. The disparity was especially glaring in the opening quarter, when the crowd favorites shot a blistering 77.8 percent and raced to a commanding 35-16 lead.

     

    That explosive start allowed Ginebra to dictate the pace throughout the night and prevented TNT from ever fully settling into its preferred rhythm.

     

    “And they (Kings) shot extremely well,” Reyes added.

     

    In many ways, Game 3 reflected the delicate balance that has defined the Finals so far. Discussions about officiating continue to dominate headlines, but the outcomes have largely been determined by execution on the floor.

     

    For TNT, the challenge now is finding solutions before the series slips further away.

     

    Because regardless of how the whistles are perceived, Reyes knows the Tropang 5G cannot afford another night where turnovers pile up and Ginebra gets comfortable offensively.

     

    As the Finals move forward, the debate over officiating may continue. But for TNT, correcting its own mistakes may ultimately prove more important than any call made by the referees.

     

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  • Chot Reyes sees full-circle moment as RJ Abarrientos emerges as Ginebra’s rising force

    Chot Reyes sees full-circle moment as RJ Abarrientos emerges as Ginebra’s rising force

    Years ago, RJ Abarrientos was a young guard trying to earn a spot on the Gilas Pilipinas roster. Now, he enters the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals as one of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s biggest weapons and one of the players TNT coach Chot Reyes is most concerned about stopping.


    Ahead of the championship series, Reyes reflected on Abarrientos’ remarkable growth, recalling how he pushed for the then-rising guard to be included in the Gilas Pilipinas squad for the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta.

     

    “We always believed in the talent of RJ. I think that was the time when I was coaching for the Asia Cup with Coach Nenad (Vucinic) and RJ was there. I really fought hard to make sure that he was part of the line-up,” Reyes said.

     

    The former KBL Rookie of the Year has developed into one of Ginebra’s most important players, forming a potent trio with Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson while emerging as a leading candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award.

     

    His recent performances have been among the biggest reasons behind the Kings’ return to the Finals.

     

    Facing Rain or Shine in the semifinals, Abarrientos delivered when Ginebra needed him most, scoring 30 points in Game 5 before erupting for 31 points in Game 6. His 61-point output across the last two games of the series helped power the Kings into another title showdown with TNT.

     

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    For Reyes, the scoring explosion came as no surprise.

     

    “The way he is playing now is no surprise. I really thought that we needed that kind of player in that team before. Like I said, the first time we played them was in his rookie season. Now, he has grown and matured tremendously, hitting back-to-back 30-point games, 60 points in the last two games, that’s no joke, that’s not an accident,” said Reyes.

     

    The veteran coach also joked about how much Abarrientos has matured since his early days with the national team.

     

    “Baby RJ pa lang siya noon, ngayon mamang RJ na siya,” Reyes said during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals press conference.

     

    When Ginebra and TNT met in the 2024 Governors’ Cup Finals, Abarrientos was still a rookie finding minutes behind veterans LA Tenorio and Thompson. Now, he has become a featured part of the Kings’ offense and a player capable of taking over games.

     

    That evolution makes him one of the key figures to watch in the Finals, where his production could play a major role in determining whether Ginebra captures another championship or TNT adds another title to its collection.

     

    Despite the growing attention and accolades, Abarrientos remains focused on embracing the larger responsibilities that come with his expanded role as Ginebra chases another crown against the TNT Tropang 5G on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

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  • Chot Reyes embraces underdog tag as TNT sets up Finals collision with Ginebra 

    Chot Reyes embraces underdog tag as TNT sets up Finals collision with Ginebra 

    TNT Tropang 5G is heading back to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, but inside the team’s locker room, there is little talk about defending a championship.


    Instead, head coach Chot Reyes sees a group that continues to survive against the odds. Moments after TNT escaped Meralco, 97-94, in Game 6 of the semifinals on Sunday night, Reyes immediately shifted the conversation toward the challenge waiting ahead — a Barangay Ginebra team he believes resembles a national squad more than a typical PBA opponent.

     

    “We’re coming in as huge underdogs,” said Reyes.

     

    For a team that has reached five straight Finals appearances, the statement may sound surprising. But Reyes pointed to the sheer firepower standing on the other side of the bracket.

     

    “We’re basically playing Gilas, and the (greatest of all time) of all imports in JB,” the veteran coach added. 

     

    The TNT mentor was referring to a Ginebra roster loaded with national team mainstays and veterans, including Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, and resident import Justin Brownlee, all playing under multi-titled coach Tim Cone.

     

    The Finals matchup materialized only hours after both teams survived their respective semifinal battles at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

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    Ginebra punched the first ticket to the championship round after eliminating Rain or Shine, 118-107, behind another vintage performance from Brownlee and a breakout scoring night from Abarrientos. Brownlee delivered 31 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block, while Abarrientos erupted for 30 points, seven assists, and six rebounds as the Gin Kings closed out the series, 4-2.

     

    The Tropang 5G followed a few hours later, although their path proved far more nerve-racking. TNT appeared headed for a comfortable finish after building a 91-77 advantage in the fourth quarter against Meralco. 

     

    But the Bolts refused to go away, trimming the deficit and eventually forcing a 94-94 deadlock after a furious rally. With the game hanging in the balance, Jordan Heading produced the biggest sequence of the night, converting a clutch three-point play with 42.1 seconds left to restore TNT’s lead for good.

     

    Heading finished with 30 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting clip, helping TNT survive despite losing import Chris McCullough to fouls in the closing minutes. McCullough still contributed 22 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out, while Calvin Oftana added 12 markers. Meralco import Patrick Gardner paced the Bolts with 32 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.

     

    What makes TNT’s Finals return even more remarkable is how different this team looks compared to the one that captured last conference’s title.

     

    The Tropang 5G entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed and needed to survive a dangerous twice-to-beat disadvantage against NLEX just to advance. Yet somehow, TNT keeps finding ways to win.

     

    Last conference, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the charge as TNT defeated Ginebra in seven games to capture the Commissioner’s Cup crown. This time, the roster has changed, the road has been tougher, and the expectations outside the organization appear lower.

     

    That may be exactly how Reyes wants it. Rather than dwelling on predictions, the veteran coach insists TNT’s focus remains on the process that carried them through adversity.

     

    “We’ll just go through our process. The outcome, we have no control over that,” he said.

     

    “The only control we have is with our process and effort, and if we stick to those, we give ourselves a chance.”

     

    Now, another chapter will be added to one of the PBA’s most compelling rivalries.

     

    Game 1 of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals between TNT and Barangay Ginebra is set on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the defending champions will once again attempt to prove that being underestimated can sometimes be their biggest advantage.

     

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  • Chot Reyes believes Chris McCullough can steady TNT after Bol Bol injury  

    Chot Reyes believes Chris McCullough can steady TNT after Bol Bol injury  

    TNT’s championship defense suddenly found itself hanging by a thread over the weekend. One moment, the Tropang 5G were leaning on the dominant presence of Bol Bol in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. 

     

    The next, they were scrambling to rebuild after the towering import suffered a torn left Achilles that abruptly ended his conference.

     

    But amid the chaos, TNT chose familiarity over panic.

     

    After exploring multiple options and even bringing in former University of the Philippines standout Malick Diouf for practice sessions, coach Chot Reyes revealed that the team is now leaning toward former San Miguel Beer champion import Chris McCullough as the man tasked to stabilize TNT’s title bid.

     

    McCullough was already courtside with team manager Jojo Lastimosa during TNT’s gutsy 77-75 Game 3 victory over Meralco at the Mall of Asia Arena — a symbolic sign that the franchise may already have found its next answer.

     

    For Reyes, the decision was never just about talent. It was about minimizing disruption at the most critical stage of the season.

     

    “It’s very ticklish because on one end, introducing a new element to the team can always go both ways. It can give us a jolt of energy. But it can also get in the way of already how smooth things are going with the team,” said Reyes.

     

    Instead of gambling on a completely unfamiliar reinforcement, TNT appears to be banking on McCullough’s proven ability to adapt quickly to the Philippine game. The 6-foot-10 forward already owns a Commissioner’s Cup championship after leading San Miguel Beer to the 2019 title — ironically at TNT’s expense.

     

    “I think the stability and maturity of somebody who’s been here already has won before,” Reyes explained. “When a new import comes in, there’s a lot of adjustments. Adjustment to the time, the weather, the culture, the kind of game. And then adjustment with his teammates. So with McCullough, at least those variables we’ve taken out already, adjustment na lang with his teammates.”

     

    The urgency behind TNT’s search became more apparent after the franchise exhausted several emergency options. Former NBA players Marquese Chriss and Darius Days were initially explored, while Diouf even joined practice in hopes of becoming a short-term solution. But paperwork delays prevented the former UP big man from suiting up in Game 3, forcing TNT to survive with an all-Filipino lineup.

     

    Remarkably, the Tropang 5G still found a way.

     

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    Roger Pogoy delivered the decisive triple late in the game, while TNT’s local core rallied around the emotional loss of Bol Bol to grab a crucial 2-1 series lead against Meralco.

     

    The victory became more than just a playoff win. It became a tribute.

     

    “It was disappointing losing Bol, losing our teammate, losing our brother,” said TNT forward Poy Erram Ganuelas-Rosser after the game. “Coach said that he messaged him and said he really wanted to be out here. So we want to go out there and dedicate the game to him and play for him.”

     

    “He carried us here so hopefully, we can bring us across the finish line and we could finish the job. We have a core of guys that when our back is against the wall, we find ways. Today, like the coach said, a couple of lucky bounces, a couple of plays that we made, we came out with the win. But it’s only one win in the series.”

     

    Now TNT hopes McCullough can provide the steady presence needed to finish what Bol Bol started.

     

    The former NBA forward arrives fresh from a stint with the Taiwan Beer Leopards, where he averaged 16.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists during the 2025-26 campaign. More importantly, he arrives knowing exactly what the pressure of winning in the PBA feels like.

     

    And for a TNT team suddenly forced to adjust in the middle of a semifinal war, that familiarity may end up mattering most.

     

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  • Rookie Sean Quitevis draws praise from Chot Reyes, Jayson Castro after stellar defensive showing for TNT

    Rookie Sean Quitevis draws praise from Chot Reyes, Jayson Castro after stellar defensive showing for TNT

    TNT Tropang Giga kept their semifinal hopes alive in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup after edging the twice-to-beat NLEX Road Warriors, 96-93, in their quarterfinal clash on Wednesday, May 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Former NBA standout Bol Bol once again starred for TNT, finishing with 34 points and 14 rebounds to power the defending champions to the crucial victory.

     

    While Bol delivered the numbers, rookie Sean Quitevis provided a spark on the defensive end in his first meaningful appearance for TNT. Though he went scoreless in 12 minutes of action, the former Ateneo Blue Eagles guard made his presence felt by hounding NLEX playmakers Robert Bolick and LJay Gonzales.

     

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    Quitevis’ effort drew praise from TNT head coach Chot Reyes, who emphasized the rookie’s importance in filling the void left by injured veteran Jio Jalalon.

     

    “Well, we need a guy to fill the shoes of Jio Jalalon because siya ‘yung sa amin na pume-pressure, maliit na makulit. He’s the one who can get in the face of the opposing team’s ball handlers. Towards the end of the eliminations, when it was clear na Jio won’t be ready for the playoffs, then we made that decision,” Reyes said during the postgame press conference.

    Reyes revealed that TNT activated Quitevis just a day before their final elimination-round game against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, specifically to address defensive matchups against quick guards.

     

    “We don’t have a matchup for guys like that. For RJ Abarrientos, for LJay Gonzales, very quick and very good players and ball handlers. So that’s the role that he plays for us,” he added.

    TNT veteran Jayson Castro also commended Quitevis for staying ready despite spending most of the conference outside the main rotation.

     

    “Even sa practice, sobrang ganda nung pina-practice ni Sean. Sobrang deserve niyang ma-lineup talaga. At the same time, ‘yun ‘yung mga guy na para sa amin, nag-compose ng energy namin.

    “Kasi, always 100 percent sobrang positive niya. ‘Yung attitude niya, sobrang ganda. So, I think, ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit kami nanalo ngayon because of Sean,” Castro stated.

     

    For Quitevis, the opportunity to contribute on the playoff stage remains surreal, but one he believes he prepared for through hard work and perseverance.

     

    “Honestly, I still can’t comprehend what’s happening, but it’s kind of just flight or fight. Every time I’m on the floor, or coach calls my name, I’m just like, let’s go. I’m ready. I put in a lot of work with Better Basketball and I think this moment is just kind of just another day, another test for me and I’m just ready to put my whole heart on the floor,” Quitevis said.

     

    Quitevis could once again play a key role as TNT looks to force its way into the semifinals when the Tropang Giga and Road Warriors meet in Game 2 on Saturday, May 16, at the Ynares Center.

     

     

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  • Chot Reyes praises Jayson Castro as he enters 10K-point club in TNT win over NLEX

    Chot Reyes praises Jayson Castro as he enters 10K-point club in TNT win over NLEX

    For nearly two decades, Jayson Castro has been the steady force behind TNT’s identity—and on Wednesday night, he added another historic chapter to that legacy.


    The veteran guard finally broke into the exclusive 10,000-point club as TNT Tropang 5G pulled off a hard-fought 96–93 win over the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Season 50 quarterfinals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The milestone came in the third quarter, when Castro sank the first of two free throws at the 3:25 mark, with the second tying the game at 67-all—setting the stage for TNT’s eventual surge and last lead change of the contest.

     

    At nearly 40 years old, Castro became the second-oldest player to reach the scoring milestone, behind Arwind Santos, doing it in his 17th season with TNT.

     

    His journey, however, is deeply tied to TNT’s long-term gamble on him.

     

    “That’s a recognition that’s long coming. I’m very proud of his journey, kasi kung maalala niyo, we made a really big, risky move when we traded a guy by the name of Jay Washington. When I got to Talk ‘N Text, basically he was our best player,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said

     

    “But we made that move to be able to be in a position to draft Jayson Castro,” he added. “Who would’ve known he would be in that elite club of ten thousand points?”

     

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    Drafted third overall in 2008—via a pick originally acquired from Air21—Castro would go on to become one of the most decorated guards in league history, collecting 10 PBA titles, three Finals MVPs, five Best Player of the Conference awards, and five Mythical First Team selections, while also starring for Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    For Castro, however, the milestone carried a deeper meaning beyond numbers, especially after battling injury setbacks last conference.

     

    “Di ko rin ma-imagine na makakapag perform pa ako ng ganito,” Castro said.

     

    His achievement also came in a crucial moment, as TNT survived a do-or-die clash against the top-seeded Road Warriors to stay alive in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    The defending champions now prepare for a rematch on Saturday, May 16, at the Ynares Center Antipolo, with another knockout battle looming.

     

    Even beyond the milestone, Castro’s presence continues to define TNT’s identity as a calm stabilizer in high-pressure moments. 

     

     

    His leadership on the floor, especially in late-game situations remains one of the team’s biggest assets, setting the tone for younger teammates and reinforcing TNT’s reputation as a perennial contender in the league. 

     

     

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  • Chot Reyes admits Bol Bol is still adapting to the PBA after a monstrous performance vs. NLEX

    Chot Reyes admits Bol Bol is still adapting to the PBA after a monstrous performance vs. NLEX

    The TNT Tropang Giga wasted no time bouncing back from their opening setback in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, grinding out a hard-fought 103–97 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, March 22, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    At the heart of TNT’s resurgence was their high-profile import Bol Bol, who delivered another eye-popping performance with 40 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks. The former NBA big man continues to make an immediate impact in his early PBA stint, following up his explosive debut outing where he tallied 38 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks in a narrow 112–109 loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

     

    Despite those gaudy numbers in his first game, TNT head coach Chot Reyes made it clear that statistics alone were not enough. The veteran tactician had openly expressed disappointment after the opening loss, pointing to a lack of effort rather than execution. That narrative, however, shifted after TNT’s response against NLEX.

     

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    “My entire pregame was very simple actually. It can boil down to one word and I just said it boiled down to effort. The reason why I was upset when we lost the last game was because I felt Rain or Shine just simply outworked us. For us, effort is a sacred value and we can accept teams outplaying us, being better than us, but we cannot accept the fact of losing the effort battle,” Reyes said in the postmatch press conference.

    The difference was evident on Sunday, as TNT showed more urgency on both ends of the floor, matching NLEX’s physicality while maintaining composure in crucial stretches. Bol’s dominance inside, coupled with improved team energy, allowed Tropang Giga to control the tempo and secure their first win of the conference.

     

    “That’s why today, that was my only message. I said I don’t care what you do, how many shots you miss, as long as we outwork the other team. And I thought Bol put in great effort on the floor,” he added.

     

    While Bol’s production has been nothing short of spectacular, Reyes emphasized that the 24-year-old is still in the process of adjusting to the unique style and intensity of PBA competition. Known for its physicality and relentless pace, the league presents a different challenge compared to the NBA.

     

    “But I think we still need to get a lot more work, some more work before he figures out really how to play here in the PBA. We told him. At least now, he is experiencing it first hand that this is a tough league. Hopefully, he keeps on improving,” Reyes concluded.

     

    With momentum now on their side, TNT will look to build consistency as they prepare for a marquee matchup against the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday, March 28, at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum. The brief break gives Reyes and his squad an opportunity to further refine their chemistry and reinforce the effort-driven identity their coach continues to demand.

     

     

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