IT'S going to be a collective effort for TNT in the finals of the PBA Philippine Cup finals.
The Tropang Giga won't be having coach Chot Reyes for two games in the best-of-seven finals owing to his duty with Gilas Pilipinas
The Filipinos are leaving Monday for Lebanon for the start of the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
They return to the country on Saturday.
That meant Reyes won't be around for Games 2 and 3 of the title series that begins on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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But Reyes is hardly a bit concern about his absence, knowing well the team will be in good hands under deputies Sandy Arespacochaga and Yuri Escueta.
"Magtutulungan sina coach Sandy Arespacochaga, Yuri Escueta, and even team manager Jojo Lastimosa can pitch in some ideas," said Reyes.
Another TNT deputy Josh Reyes is also overseas as he is coaching the Gilas Youth team in the FIBA U-18 Asian Championship in Tehran, Iran.
The elder Reyes said this would be a welcome test to his coaching staff holding the fort for the team in his absence.
"It would be a good measure of my coaching ability if my team could perform at a high level without me," said the TNT mentor.
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Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president and Smart Communications chief Al S. Panlilio added there's a bigger calling for flag and country to Reyes.
"Chot is being asked to make the sacrifice and we accept that as an organization," said Panlilio.
"So we have to go through two games that Chot won't be around. But I'm confident the team will evolve together until he comes back." (RG)
