Terrence Jones refused to label TNT KaTropa as the favorites in its upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals showdown with either San Miguel Beer or Rain or Shine.
Behind the all-around game of Jones, the KaTropa made their way to the midseason tournament’s biggest stage by ending Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s title reign with a 103-92 win Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
While TNT goes into the finals which starts either Sunday or Wednesday oozing with confidence after its dominance of Ginebra, Jones said the KaTropa’s long dryspell of getting into the winner’s podium should put them at a disadvantage.
“I don’t feel like we’re the favorites,” Jones said. “I know we haven’t won in a long time so we feel we’re the underdogs. We’re gonna come in excited and trying ti get something special done that hasn’t happened for our organization in a long time.
TNT last won the championship in the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup when Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, temperamental import Ivan Johnson and coach Jong Uichico edged Rain or Shine in a seven-game thriller.
The KaTropa made the Finals under coach Nash Racela in the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup but fell short against the Beermen in six games.
Winning a title will hold a special meaning for the 33-year-old Castro, who has won six championships since pro debut in 2008.
“Yun yung challenge ko sa sarili ko na siyempre nasa point na ako na parang halos nandun na ako sa patapos ng peak ko, so eto yung time na gusto ko talagang mag-champion,” Castro said.
“Yung mga bago, kailangan din nilang i-prove yung sarili nila na yung TNT gusto makabalik sa kung anu kami dati,” he added.
Jones and Castro will have plenty of help in Roger Pogoy and Troy Rosario, who put big productions in the current playoff run, along with unsung heroes like Don Trollano and Brian Heruela with their scrappy plays on both ends.
Coach Bong Ravena and consultant Mark Dickel are looking to map out plans to continue their success against SMB or Rain or Shine.
TNT thrashed SMB, 110-97, in the eliminations but that was before Charles Rhodes was replaced by Chris McCullough. The KaTropa beat the Elasto Painters, 102-81, with Denzel Bowles still suiting up instead of Carl Montgomery. (JONAS TERRADO)
