Last test for Tyler?
TNT may belong among those high in the standings of the PBA Commissioner's Cup, but that doesn't mean the KaTropa are content.
A highly-placed team insider bared that TNT is seriously considering replacing import Jeremy Tyler after the former NBA campaigner failed to provide not only the desired numbers but also the overall spark the team needs to go all the way in the mid-season conference.
"If Tyler doesn't shape up and soon there's a very big possibility he'll be replaced," said the source.
One last chance is to be given Tyler when the KaTropa tackle the free-falling Blackwater Elite Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Sponsored content:
"He'd better come up with a more impressive performance than he has done in the past, or else," stressed the source.
After the Elite game the KaTropa's next game is against another struggling team in Columbian on June 1, enough time for any replacement to get used to coach Nash Racela's system.
Tyler is the lowest scorer and rebounder among the current crop of imports, averaging only 12.25 points and 13.25 boards a game. He is also coming off a 16-point, 11-rebound performance in a 100-110 loss to Alaska last Sunday.
He would now be ranged against Blackwater's Jarrid Famous, who not only has a 29.4 ppg, second in the league) but also leads the tournament in rebounding with 19.6 a game.
It's just that the Elite, aside from having to fully adjust to new coach Bong Ramos' system, have their locals playing inconsistently in their last five games - all losses.
Sponsored content:
Ramos, who replaced Leo Isaac after Blackwater dropped its first three games, remains in a fighting mood.
"I won't give up. Every game, we'll give it our best effort and take it one game at a time," he said.
Neither would TNT's locals, led by Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Roger Pogoy and Jericho Cruz.(NC)
