PBA: Ginebra coach Tim Cone believes TNT can still make finals despite low playoff seed

The TNT Tropang 5G's title defense hangs in the balance after they entered the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup playoffs as the lowest seed, an unusual position for a talent-loaded squad reinforced by Bol Bol.

But not everyone is ready to count out TNT just yet, including head coach Tim Cone of rival Barangay Ginebra.

The Tropang 5G closed out the elimination round with a 93-86 loss to Cone's Gin Kings, finishing in eighth place with a 6-6 record and entering the playoffs as the lowest seed and putting their title repeat bid in serious jeopardy as they will face twice-to-beat NLEX in the quarterfinals.

But Cone believes TNT can still turn things around despite their shaky campaign so far, stressing that the Tropang 5G remain a dangerous threat to any opponent in the playoffs.

"I think they probably got a match-up that they like against NLEX. That's going to be an interesting series," Cone said.

"Talk ‘N Text can turn it around in a heartbeat and find themselves in the finals easily. That's a team that everybody's eyes are on."

One of the things that has Cone believing that TNT can flip the switch anytime is the presence of Bol. The 7-foot-3 import and former NBA player is the conference's highest-scoring import, currently averaging 38.64 points, 15.09 rebounds and 1.55 assists in 12 games.

On Sunday, Bol proved exactly why he is such a matchup problem in his first clash with Ginebra and its star import Justin Brownlee, a three-time Best Import and six-time PBA champion. Bol erupted for 33 points alongside 10 rebounds, five blocks, and three assists in a dominant all-around performance.

Beyond the competition, Cone said it is an honor to see a talent like Bol showcase his skills in the PBA.

"He's such a force in the game, especially here in our game. They talked about him so much in the NBA, too, when he was out there playing," Cone said.

"Everybody is thrilled to watch him play and we've had the honor to watch him here play like 12 games here now. I just think it's an honor to have him in the country and it's just a real challenge to go up against him."

—JMB, GMA News