TNT’s Risk Management Pays Off: Chot Reyes Makes the Tough Call on Rey Nambatac
In the unforgiving world of professional basketball, timing and health can often mean the difference between glory and heartbreak. TNT Tropang Giga head coach Chot Reyes faced a tough but necessary decision ahead of the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup playoffs — one that might ultimately secure the team’s continued push toward a historic grand slam.
Coach Reyes confirmed that Rey Nambatac, the Finals MVP of the Commissioner’s Cup and a key part of TNT’s back-to-back championship run, has been left out of the playoff roster due to lingering injury issues. While Nambatac has been sidelined for more than a month with a groin injury, recent updates also revealed that he is dealing with a hip flexor strain — a troubling development that significantly complicates his recovery.
“Mahirap din talaga nung pinag-isipan namin kasi he’s not yet ready. And the earliest na sinasabi nila from now is another one or two weeks,” Reyes said following TNT’s nail-biting 89-88 victory over Magnolia in their quarterfinal showdown at the PhilSports Arena.
Unfortunately for TNT, the PBA's roster submission deadline for the playoffs left them with no flexibility to gamble on Nambatac's availability.
“Hindi na puwede. Tapos na yung deadline, e,” added Reyes.
Strategic Adjustments
In response, TNT fortified their backcourt depth by signing Almond Vosotros and Mike Nieto as free agents. They also completed a high-profile trade with Converge to bring in Jordan Heading, giving the team additional firepower and flexibility at the guard position — a sign that management had anticipated Nambatac’s unavailability.
While it’s difficult to leave out a player of Nambatac’s caliber — particularly someone who was instrumental in the team’s recent title runs — the decision was not just about strategy. It was also about protecting the long-term health of a key player.
Conclusion: A Smart, Calculated Call
In hindsight, Coach Chot Reyes made the right call. Entering the playoffs with an injured player on the roster would have been a risky move, especially in a tournament as unforgiving as the Philippine Cup. TNT is in the midst of chasing history — a rare grand slam — and every roster spot counts.
Nambatac’s absence is no small matter, but by mitigating risk early, TNT preserved roster flexibility, added fresh talent, and avoided the potential of fielding a half-healthy star. The team’s management showed foresight and prudence — and in the PBA playoffs, those are just as important as talent.
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