PBA: Chot Reyes says TNT has nothing to be ashamed of even as Grand Slam quest falls short

The TNT Tropang 5G’s Grand Slam hopes may have slipped away, but for head coach Chot Reyes, the journey was nothing short of commendable.

The multi-titled tactician praised his players for enduring a grueling PBA season, one that saw them capture the Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup before falling short in the season-ending Philippine Cup against San Miguel.

"So, so proud of this team. I think our chairman MVP put it best, he said, ‘Our heads bowed in sorrow but not in shame,’” Reyes said following their 107-96 loss in Game 6 on Friday.

"I told the players hindi biro yung ginawa natin na nagtatlong finals tayo and we won two of them. There’s absolutely no bitterness in my heart. Like we said, time for the players to rest, 75 games is no joke in one year."

[I told the players what we did was no joke, making three finals and we won two of them. There’s absolutely no bitterness in my heart. Like we said, time for the players to rest, 75 games is no joke in one year.]

It has been a difficult campaign for TNT with a string of injuries ultimately derailing their Grand Slam bid.

They first lost the backcourt tandem of Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac before another guard in Simon Enciso and veteran big man Poy Erram also joined the injury list, leaving TNT with a thin lineup heading into the finals. 

Still, they kept up with the Beermen, drawing first blood with a slim 99-96 win in Game 1. They, however, lost the next three games before mounting a huge fight in Game 5 to extend their life and drag San Miguel to a Game 6. 

But San Miguel proved too much for the undermanned Tropang 5G, as the Beermen made sure to close out the series and deny TNT any chance at a comeback.

Reyes, though, stressed there were no regrets despite missing out on the historic Grand Slam. 

"I have absolutely no regrets. Like I said, when we started the series, I never coached for the Grand Slam. I’d rather almost have it than not get there. Okay na sa akin 'yun, palagi akong muntik muntik, okay na sa akin 'yun," he added.

"I’m sure there are 10 other coaches in the league who would be in my position. Okay na sa’kin yun, pamuntik muntik, at least umaabot ako doon. I’ll take that pain anytime."

[I have absolutely no regrets. Like I said, when we started the series, I never coached for the Grand Slam. I’d rather almost have it than not get there. That’s okay with me, always coming close, that’s okay with me… I’m sure there are 10 other coaches in the league who would be in my position. That’s okay with me, coming close. At least, I reached that point. I’ll take that pain anytime.]

—JMB, GMA Integrated News