TNT goes for Grand Slam glory with new moniker

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

After five years of carrying the Tropang Giga name, TNT will be called the Tropang 5G as it looks to extend its season dominance in the Philippine Cup

MANILA, Philippines – TNT shoots for a rare Grand Slam with a new moniker.

After five years of carrying the Tropang Giga name, the flagship franchise of the MVP Group will be called the Tropang 5G as it looks to extend its season dominance in the Philippine Cup that tips off on Friday, April 4.

TNT is in prime position to complete a Triple Crown — a feat achieved by only four teams in PBA history — after ruling the Governors’ Cup and the Commissioner’s Cup.

It will be the Tropang 5G’s second crack at a Grand Slam after they fell short of the achievement in the 2010-2011 season.

Then known as the Tropang Texters, TNT topped the Philippine Cup and the Commissioner’s Cup only to lose to Petron in Game 7 of the finals of the Governors’ Cup.

“I’ve learned all through my life that if you work hard, you put yourself in a good chance that good things will happen. It’s not a guarantee, but at least, you put yourself in a good position,” said Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes.

“That’s what we’ve done…we’ve put ourselves in that position.”

Getting the Grand Slam will be a tall order as TNT will play without Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who led the Tropang 5G to their last three championships and also won Best Import thrice.

TNT is expected to miss Jayson Castro as well after the five-time Best Player of the Conference suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Standing in the Tropang 5G’s way are perennial All-Filipino contenders San Miguel, Meralco, and Barangay Ginebra.

The Beermen captured six of the last nine All-Filipino crowns, the Bolts won the previous one, while the Gin Kings are out for redemption after settling for a pair of runner-up finishes in the last two conferences.

Still enjoying its latest title romp, TNT will plunge back to action against NLEX on April 23 at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com