MANILA, Philippines—TNT has always been considered as one of the best franchises in the PBA having won seven championships in 16 seasons, but that kind of success has eluded the team in recent memory.
The KaTropa, who won their last title in the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup, hadn’t been to the finals since the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup when they lost to San Miguel, which started a dry-spell of four straight conferences
TNT ended the drought on Thursday, claiming the first finals berth after finishing off Barangay Ginebra, 103-92, in Game 4 of the best-of-seven series.
TNT has largely remained intact since 2015 and Jayson Castro, one of the core players of that championship-winning team, felt as if a heavy load was lifted off his chest when they defeated the Gin Kings.
“Well, it’s overwhelming because I don’t even remember the last time we’ve been to the finals and I hope this time we’ll be able to get the title because the last time we’ve been there ended in a loss,” said Castro in Filipino.
Castro, who has won six titles with the KaTropa, also acknowledged that this chance could be the last considering he’s already 33.
“This is my challenge for myself because I’m at the point where I know my peak is at its end so this is the time to win a championship especially we have Terrence with us,” said Castro who had 20 points and six rebounds in Game 4.
“It’s been so long since we’ve won a championship.”
Castro also said but it’s also the time for younger players such as Roger Pogoy and Troy Rosario to prove that they can carry the franchise.
“The young guys have to prove to themselves and that us in TNT want to go back to what we were before,” said Castro.