Capturing PBA Philippine Cup title a product of hardships, says TNT mentor Chot Reyes

In his return to the professional ranks, decorated head coach Chot Reyes was a champion once again.

The five-time Coach of the Year steered the TNT Tropang Giga past the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots, 94-79, in Game 5 of their best-of-seven 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Finals series on Wednesday.

But Reyes shunned the credit and stressed it was his wards who did the job as they finally ended a six-year title drought for the franchise.

"I have to give this to the players, they really put in the effort and stayed together throughout the adversity," he said.

"This is a great reward for their hardships."

Aside from ending years long dry spell, TNT also won its first All-Filipino crown for the first time since 2013, when it swept Rain or Shine in the 2013 edition.

They were also able to put a halt to SMC team's All-Filipino reign after San Miguel, Magnolia, and Ginebra dominated the past seven editions of the Philippine Cup.

But it was definitely not a walk in the park for the Tropang Giga as they were met with various setbacks leading to the title.

Veteran Kelly Williams missed a couple of games in the playoffs after being placed under the league's safety and health protocols.

TNT was also on the verge of losing Troy Rosario to a finger injury after a bad fall in Game 3 but the reliable forward suited up during their 106-89 Game 4 win.

These are aside from their sacrifice to stay inside a bubble and away from their families for a number of weeks now.

"I'd like to dedicate this to our families and everyone back home. We dedicate this to our management who has been very patient through the years."

—JMB, GMA News