TNT to field an all-Filipino squad in Abu Dhabi tourney
BEFORE embarking on its PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup mission, TNT first dukes it out with heavyweight foreign clubs in the Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship beginning on Monday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Tropang 5G competes in Group A against Lebanese side Al Riyadi Beirut, UAE league champion Sharjah and another Emirati club, Al Dhafra. Group B features host club Al Wahda, Kazakhstan kingpin Astana, Champville (Lebanon) and Al Qurain (Kuwait).
The top 2 teams of each group after the single round-robin eliminations will move on to the cross over semifinals.
Coach Chot Reyes and his troops, who came tantalizingly close to a PBA grand slam in the 49th season, will field an all-Filipino squad against import-flavored opponents in the competition slated at the Al Jazira Club’s indoor sports hall.
PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP Rey Nambatac is set to mark his return to action in Abu Dhabi after missing the stretch of TNT’s bridesmaid run in the All-Filipino, while pre-season signings Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill make their debuts for the Tropang Giga.
They join Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Kelly Williams, Jordan Heading, Glen Khobuntin, Brandon Ganuelas Rosser, Kim Aurin, Simon Enciso, Henry Galinato, Mike Nieto and Paul Varilla in carrying the fight for the Philippines’ representatives. — Olmin Leyba
