SOPHOMORE Mikey Williams of defending champion TNT has already proven himself to be among the pro league’s top gunners.
What the Tropang Giga need to do is show they’re more than a Mikey Williams team, especially against a powerhouse rival.
“Ang emphasis ni coach Chot (Reyes) is to try to make sure that we get everyone not just Mikey involved. He’s (Williams) gonna be harder to stop if others are also scoring well and doing their jobs,” TNT assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga said after the Tropang Giba whipped San Miguel 100-87 in the Big Dance’s fourth game three nights ago.
“Mahihirapan ang defense to key in on one player and I think the players did a great job executing the gameplan of coach Chot. Maraming players ang nag-step up for us offensively,” he added.
The Tropang Giga take on the Beermen anew tonight in a crucial tiff in their besto-of-7 finals battle for the PBA Philippine Cup crown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game 5 is set at 5:45 p.m., with both teams keen on taking a 3-2 edge in what is now a race-to-3 series.
Arespacochaga, who spoke in lieu of coach Chot Reyes who had to immediately go to the Gilas Pilipinas practice, said the veterans of TNT are expected to provide the much-needed savvy in the pivotal match.
“The good thing about our team is we have a lot of veteran players and they’ve been here in this situation before. So, they know the importance of Game 5 and the coaches will watch tape and analyze what are the things we need to do heading into Game 5,”
Arespacochaga said. “We’re gonna map out the gameplan to the players just like before this game. We’re gonna be focusing on that.”
Foremost among those expected to step up for the Tropang Giga aside from Mikey Williams are Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, JP Erram, Troy Rosario, Kelly Williams, and Glenn Khobuntin.
SMB prized big man and Best Player of the Conference June Mar Fajardo said after Game 4 his sights are trained on steering the Beermen back to the top of the import-less tourney rather than winning accolades.
“Nakakalungkot kasi talo kami. Kailangan naming makabawi. Hindi iyon iyong goal ko (win the BPC), goal ko pa rin is para sa team to win the championship,” Fajardo said. “Natalo kami and kailangan naming mag-regroup.”
