TNT's depth, rebounding need to be addressed, says coach Chot
Returning TNT coach Chot Reyes said the team is looking to make some moves in order to improve its title chances in the 46th PBA season.
Reyes said during an interview with former PBA commissioner Noli Eala in the latter’s Power and Play program that the Tropang Giga is eyeing to address their depth and get more rebounding help in order to redeem themselves from their Finals defeat in the Philippine Cup bubble.
“If you take a look at their last conference, they sputtered in the end because they got some injuries and their starters were gassed out. So we have to address our depth, that’s No. 1,” Reyes said.
READ: Chot Reyes to return as TNT coach
TNT started the bubble in a big way with RR Pogoy and Ray Parks Jr. leading the charge, but the latter and team captain Jayson Castro sustained injuries during the title series against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel which contributed to the defeat.
The Tropang Giga made some additions in the offseason by picking up guard Ping Excimiano and former Phoenix Super LPG center Dave Marcelo from free agency.
“No. 2, we found that our guards outrebounded our bigs so we have to address our big man rebounding,” added Reyes, who hopes that the addition of Marcelo and a “couple other guys” which he didn’t reveal will fill that void.
As for the Draft set on March 14, TNT won’t be picking until late in the third round, though Reyes said that the team may try to move up if the opportunity presents.
But Reyes also feels that he already has a team capable of competing even if TNT couldn’t get some transactions done by Draft Day.
“We’re trying to make a deal to take advantage of this deep draft, but if we are not able to make a deal, I think we have a team that can compete,” he said.