PHOTO: Nuki Sabio | PBA Images | Spin archives
VICTORIOUS were Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang the last time they teamed up outside of San Sebastian as they steered NLEX to the 2012 PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
It was nine years ago when the Cabalen duo, then playing for the Road Warriors in the developmental ranks, steamrolled the competition and completed a perfect 13-0 season, capped off by a two-game sweep of Big Chill in the Finals.
NLEX effectively cemented its dynasty in the newly formed league, winning its third crown in as many conferences.
But the Road Warriors winning the championship in this tourney shouldn t really come as a surprise. After all, they didn t just have Abueva and Sangalang, but also had a bevy of bluechip talents in the amateur ranks.
Published February 16, 2021, 1:36 PM
Photo from FIBA
Chot Reyes prefers to temper expectations than assuring instant success after his unexpected return as coach of the TNT Tropang Giga.
The Tropang Giga decided to bring back the winningest coach in franchise history in a bid to end the team’s long PBA title drought, but Reyes said things won’t be as easy as it looks.
“It’s not going to be easy,” Reyes said in Monday’s episode of The Game. “I know a lot of fans are saying a lot of good things, but this is not going to be a walk in the park, it’s not going to be an instant thing.”
By
Senior Reporter
BACK ON the helm as coach in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after nearly a decade away from it, Chot Reyes said there is no denying the pressure that goes with it, but it is something he is ready to embrace.
Speaking on
The Game over One PH on Monday night, Mr. Reyes, who is making a coaching back with the TNT Tropang GIGA, said he is looking forward to get back on the swing of things and welcomes the challenge of being a head coach anew in the PBA, including the pressure and the expectations that will be thrown his way.
The telecommunication franchise signed bruising big man Dave Marcelo to a two-year contract on Friday.
The deal was formalized after the 6-foot-5 Marcelo was let go as a free agent by Phoenix Super LPG.
Team manager Gabby Cui confirmed the signing of the 31-year-old banger from San Beda, the latest player picked by the Tropang Giga from the free agent list after earlier tapping the services of wingman Glenn Khobuntin.
Marcelo’s entry is expected to add toughness and strength to a TnT frontcourt manned by young guns Poy Erram, Troy Rosario, and Lervin Flores, along with veteran Jay Washington.