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Almond Vosotros rises amid TNT’s injury crisis


Almond Vosotros is embracing the challenges that come with assuming a bigger role for a TNT side dealing with injuries while in pursuit of history.

The seasoned gunslinger finds himself logging more minutes than usual in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals as head coach Chot Reyes and his deputies continue to find all possible solutions to remedy their dilemma.

“Medyo mahirap kasi ‘yung mga nawala sa amin na players, talagang kasama sa rotation ni Coach Chot,” he opened to Tiebreaker Times.

“Kailangan talaga ‘yung focus ko tsaka yung pinaka-importante ngayon sa akin yung decision-making ko, especially sa opensa,” he added.

Vosotros was among the six that finished in double figures in the Tropang 5G’s 86-78 victory over San Miguel in Game 5 on Wednesday night, as they denied their long-time rivals a gentleman’s sweep.

The 35-year-old shooting guard had 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting off the bench, marking the second time in this title bout that he tallied twin digits in scoring.

He had 14 points back in Game 3 last Friday, missing just one of his six shots from the floor, although it went for naught as they got blown out, 108-88.

It’s always been a given that Vosotros can shoot lights-out on any night — something he’s proven since his La Salle days. However, the present Finals have demanded that he become more of a floor general whenever inside.

The Tropa do not have their two main point guards in Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac — three if Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is included, since he’s also been running the one, according to Reyes in a previous interview.

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“Sa 3×3 kasi medyo masikip ‘yung court eh, so ‘pag ako nagdadala ng bola parang sobrang luwag ng space ng court,” said the former PBA 3×3 star, admitting that quarterbacking an offense is no easy task.

As hard as it could be, Vosotros is not backing down to the challenge as he’s more than willing to take on such a role.

And that is good news for a team that’s been compelled to lean on its guard play more, with reliable big man Poy Erram ruled out for the rest of the series after an MRI found a meniscus tear in his left knee.

“Sobrang tiwala kami sa mga coaches. ‘Yung adjustment nila, they know what to do. Susundin lang talaga namin yung game plan,” he said.

Talagang kailangan ko ng more and more patience sa offense, at ‘yung decision-making pati.”

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


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