IT began in Cebu and ended up in Cubao.
In a four-month span marred by struggles along the way, Calvin Oftana recalled how TNT was able to overcome its demons and emerged champions anew of the PBA Governors Cup.
The 28-year-old Oftana said the Tropang Giga's training camp in Cebu City last July build a strong foundation that later proved instrumental in the franchise beating a strong Barangay Ginebra side in their best-of-seven finals.
"Before the start of the conference, we went to Cebu and that helped us a lot in the team," said Oftana of the week-long camp the Tropang Giga had down South.
Best Import Rondae Hollis Jefferson joined the team in training camp and so did veteran leader Jayson Castro, showing how determined they were in leading the franchise anew in retaining the championship.
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"Sadyang yung determinasyon ng bawat player lalo na si Kuya Jayson, si Rondae. We told each one anuman ang mangyari dito, keep on smiling and enjoy the game," said Oftana of the positive vibes the Tropang Giga had going to the season-opening conference.
Then came the bumps along the way.
Although the Tropang Giga emerged as the overall top seeded team heading to the playoffs, Oftana hinted about troubles within the TNT camp.
"Madaming nangyari. There's some circumstances sa team namin. Up and down," said the former NCAA MVP from San Beda.
"But we stuck to the plan... to win the championship."
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In the quarterfinals, TNT brought down NLEX, 3-1, and then showed the exit door to Rain or Shine in the semis, 4-1, to arrange a rematch with Barangay Ginebra in the championship series.
And while the team defeated the Kings in the best-of-seven duel, 4-2, it wasn't a bed of roses, according to Oftana.
"It wasn't an easy championship for us. Siguro nasa isip ng ibang tao na 2-0 kami, so masi-sweep yan," said Oftana as the Tropang Giga took the initiative in the title series when they won the first two games.
"We didn't thought about that. Nung nag 2-2, we were composed. Yun ang maganda sa ginawa namin."
Oftana finished with eight points, four rebounds, and three assists in the title-clinching win, 95-85, giving him his second PBA championship in two finals appearances.
He was seen emotional on the court when everything was over.
"Maganda na dito rin sa Smart Araneta (Coliseum) natapos. It's our brand," said Oftana.
He said retaining the championship was a collective effort on the part of TNT, from management, coaching staff, players, team staff, and to the Tropang Giga fans. (RG)
