For the first time under Nash Racela’s term, the TNT Katropa have missed the semifinals boat.
The 2017-18 PBA Philippine Cup has been a rollercoaster ride for the Katropa. It seemed that the flagship franchise of the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned bloc could not get anything going. However, they were able to pick it up in their final two games of the elimination round, winning both do-or-die games with a total margin of 47 points.
But it wasn’t third time’s the charm for Racela and the Katropa, as they succumbed to the twice-to-beat-armed San Miguel Beermen, 106-93, to end their semifinals streak.
“Life is shaky, it’s a given.
“It has been the same since last year. Again, this conference, the goal really was to get to six wins, which we fell short for a game. It’s the same thing that we had in last year’s All Filipino. We were at 6-5 last year,” reflected Racela. “Kasi when you get to six, you’ll get into best-of-three series. And yeah, we fell short by a game kaya nasa disadvantage kami.”
Their exit gives them ample time to gather up for the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup. Moreover, it will only help them integrate their new pieces better, including their most recent acquisition Jericho Cruz.
TNT are still undecided with who their import will be for the first import-laden conference of the year.
“We have a short list, pinag-aaralan lang namin yung timing and availability of some names. We’ll come up with the decision siguro by next week,” disclosed Racela.
One of the names they are looking at is Joshua Smith, the 6-foot-10, 300-pound behemoth that lifted them to the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
“Of course, nandun si Joshua. But Joshua right now is still playing in Japan. So he’s in game shape,” shared Racela, as Smith is now playing for the Kyoto Hannary in Japan’s B League.
“Wala munang names but yeah, Joshua is part of the short list.”
