TNT displays its mettles when it goes up against Utsunomiya Brex in the opener of the East Asia Super League Champions Week tonight at the Brex Arena Utsunomiya.
The Tropang Giga arrived in the Japanese city known for its sumptuous gyoza dumplings late Tuesday afternoon after a four-hour flight from Manila and lost no time preparing for their 6:30 p.m. encounter (Manila time) against the host team.
Coach Jojo Lastimosa said shooting guard Roger Pogoy will suit up for the PBA Philippine Cup runner-up but backcourt partner Mike Williams is a game-time decision.
Pogoy (bone bruise) and Williams (ankle) suffered injuries in the team’s current campaign in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
High-scoring Jalen Hudson and Daniel Ochefu will reinforce TNT against the reigning Japan B. League champion.
Lastimosa is tempering expectations on the team’s campaign in the five-day tournament where the champion receives $250,000.
“We’ll just compete and see what happens,” he said.
Veteran guard Yuta Tabuse, the first Japanese player to suit up in the NBA, is at the forefront of Utsunomiya’s bid as he teams up with 6-foot-9 former Japan national player Kosuke Takeuchi, Asian import Isaac Fotu, and imports Josh Scott and Julian Mavunga.
Anyang KGC featuring former Gilas Pilipinas player Rhenz Abando takes on Taipei Fubon Braves in the opening game at 4 o’clock.
Also arriving in Utsunomiya on Tuesday was the San Miguel Beer team led by six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.
