Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Help is on the way for Go For Gold.
TY Tang is set to make a comeback to the hardcourt as he will play in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.
Scratchers head coach Charles Tiu confirmed the news on Sunday that the 33-year-old guard will pull a double duty and serve as a playing assistant coach for the squad.
“I think it’s awesome for our team. I would say there is no better pure point guard out there who is not playing in the PBA,” he said.
Tang has enjoyed a seven-year career in the PBA, all with Rain or Shine before his retirement in 2015.
He last saw action in 2016 with Mighty Sports, where he joined the team in its forays in the Philippine Commercial Basketball League (PCBL), Jones Cup in Taipei, and Merlion Cup in Singapore.
Currently, Tang is the head coach of St. Benilde and went 4-14 in his first season with the team. The core of the Blazers are using this PBA D-League campaign as their preparation for the upcoming NCAA Season 94 later this year.
Tang’s activation to the lineup was spurred by the injury incurred by Kent Salado, who tore his right MCL in the third quarter of Go For Gold’s 75-68 conference opener against Gamboa Coffee Mix-St. Clare last Monday.
Tiu believes Tang’s entry will fasttrack the learning curve for the young Blazers as they will have a first hand look on how hard their coach plays.
“Our players will benefit because I think the bonding has been awesome and they can observe what it means to be a true point guard. Our big men are loving him and they’re all excited to play with him,” he said.
Tiu’s quandary, however, will be Tang’s conditioning.
“It’s not easy to get in shape in five days. But I’m just expecting him to provide some stability and leadership for our team,” he said. “There’s no better leader in our team than him. I’m excited, but I have to manage my expectations.”
Go For Gold goes for its second win on Tuesday against Jose Rizal University.