By JADEN ALBERTO

INTERN

TNT head coach Chot Reyes believed it was only a bad shooting night for his prized import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson last Wednesday, Jan. 15.

For that, the veteran mentor knew it was only natural for his misfiring soldier to be hard on himself despite the Tropa coming out with a 94-87 win over the gritty NLEX side in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Visibly frustrated after going 7-of-25 from the field including 6-of-12 from the foul line, Hollis-Jefferson was heard cursing and muttering to himself throughout the game against the determined Road Warriors who slid to their fifth straight loss for a 3-6 record.

The former NBA player delivered 23 points but had to bleed for every possession against the relentless defense of NLEX.

“That’s Rondae. He really gets upset when he misses free throws, and he was 50 percent today. And that’s a big beef among us, between us as well—his ability to make free throws,” said Reyes.

Despite his wards shooting poorly, Reyes was convinced that proper communication will always be the key to hurdle such challenges inside the court.

“Like I always tell my players. I don’t care if we have a shouting match on the sideline. As long as when you come in, you’re giving your best,” said the former national team coach.

“Kasi nagpapakamatay ka sa loob, maski mag-sigawan tayo sa bench okay lang sa akin ‘yun. I have no problems with that. As against tatahimik ka and then pagpasok mo sa loob lalamya-lamya ka,” he added.

The chemistry between Reyes and the rest of TNT have contributed heavily to their prosperity in this conference. The Tropang Giga boast a 5-2 record at solo second behind the league-leading NorthPort Batang Pier (7-2) as of posting time.

And with five games left in the elimination round, TNT will have to stay true to its system if it wishes to lock a top 2 finish which will earn them a twice-to-beat advantage come the quarterfinals.

Next for the Tropa are crowd favorites Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings on Friday, Jan. 17, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.