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Undermanned TNT Begin EASL Season 2 Campaign Against Chiba Jets
Photo credit: PBA
In a challenging start to their East Asia Super League (EASL) Season 2 journey, the TNT Tropang Giga will face off against the Chiba Jets at the Funabashi Arena in Chiba, Japan.
The game is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. Manila time.
TNT Tropang Giga enters this crucial matchup with a significant disadvantage as they will be without some key players.
Mikey Williams, Roger Pogoy, Poy Erram, and Calvin Oftana will be absent from the roster.
Pogoy and Erram are dealing with health issues, Williams remains in the United States on an extended vacation, and Oftana is taking a well-deserved rest after contributing to Gilas Pilipinas' historic gold medal win at the 19th Asian Games.
Despite these setbacks, head coach Jojo Lastimosa remains optimistic about his team's chances against the formidable Chiba Jets.
TNT will rely on the talents of their imports, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Quincy Miller, both of whom have NBA experience. Hollis-Jefferson, in particular, played a pivotal role in TNT's Governors' Cup championship victory last season and recently secured a silver medal at the Asian Games with Jordan.
Quincy Miller, who previously played for Converge during the Commissioner's Cup, adds depth to the team's roster. Additionally, TNT boasts a roster of experienced players, including Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Carl Bryan Cruz, and newly-acquired Jewel Ponferada.
"We still have Rondae, Quincy, Jayson, Kelly, and the rest," Coach Lastimosa stated, expressing his confidence in the team's capabilities.
The Chiba Jets, on the other hand, have strengthened their lineup with Justyn Mutts and DJ Stephens, along with the presence of former San Miguel import and Japanese naturalized player Ira Brown.
TNT aims to bounce back from their disappointing performance in the previous season, where they finished 0-2 in the regional meet, suffering defeats against the Seoul SK Knights and Utsunomiya Brex. During that campaign, TNT was bolstered by Jalen Hudson and Daniel Ochefu.
The game is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. Manila time.
TNT Tropang Giga enters this crucial matchup with a significant disadvantage as they will be without some key players.
Mikey Williams, Roger Pogoy, Poy Erram, and Calvin Oftana will be absent from the roster.
Pogoy and Erram are dealing with health issues, Williams remains in the United States on an extended vacation, and Oftana is taking a well-deserved rest after contributing to Gilas Pilipinas' historic gold medal win at the 19th Asian Games.
Despite these setbacks, head coach Jojo Lastimosa remains optimistic about his team's chances against the formidable Chiba Jets.
TNT will rely on the talents of their imports, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Quincy Miller, both of whom have NBA experience. Hollis-Jefferson, in particular, played a pivotal role in TNT's Governors' Cup championship victory last season and recently secured a silver medal at the Asian Games with Jordan.
Quincy Miller, who previously played for Converge during the Commissioner's Cup, adds depth to the team's roster. Additionally, TNT boasts a roster of experienced players, including Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Carl Bryan Cruz, and newly-acquired Jewel Ponferada.
"We still have Rondae, Quincy, Jayson, Kelly, and the rest," Coach Lastimosa stated, expressing his confidence in the team's capabilities.
The Chiba Jets, on the other hand, have strengthened their lineup with Justyn Mutts and DJ Stephens, along with the presence of former San Miguel import and Japanese naturalized player Ira Brown.
TNT aims to bounce back from their disappointing performance in the previous season, where they finished 0-2 in the regional meet, suffering defeats against the Seoul SK Knights and Utsunomiya Brex. During that campaign, TNT was bolstered by Jalen Hudson and Daniel Ochefu.
Oct 10, 2023
