TY Tang unretires to play alongside his students
It’s been almost three years since TY Tang last played competitive basketball. Now 33 years old, he is set to make a comeback for the Go for Gold Scratchers in the PBA D-League.
The news was confirmed to Tiebreaker Times by head coach Charles Tiu.
“I think it’s awesome for our team to have Coach TY back,” said Tiu.
“I would say there is no better pure point guard out there who is not playing in the PBA. That’s why I got coach.”
Tang’s activation was brought about by Kent Salado’s injury. Salado had been ruled out of the season after re-injuring the medial collateral ligament in his right knee last January 22.
“The biggest problem is he’s not in shape at all. He hasn’t played competitively or trained in a very long time. This was all a last minute decision because Kent Salado got hurt,” added the youthful tactician.
“I really pleaded, almost begged him to play. He wants to kill me actually!” Tiu quipped.
“He doesn’t feel ready to play.”
The 5-foot-7 floor general retired from the PBA back in August 25, 2015. He had a brief stint with Mighty Sports in the defunct Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League.
During his stellar seven-year pro career, Tang was able to win a championship with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in 2012.
Tang took over from Gabby Velasco to coach the College of Saint Benilde Blazers back in November of 2016. As Go for Gold are composed of student-athletes from CSB, playing alongside their head coach will only lead to good things for them.
“Our players will benefit because first I think a bond will be developed. Also, they can observe what it means to be a true point guard. Our big men are also loving him,” shared Tiu.
“They’re all excited to play with him.”
Tang will make his debut for Go for Gold on Tuesday, January 30, when the Scratchers face the JRU Heavy Bombers. Coach Tiu however is tempering expectations on his “new” floor general.
“The biggest questions would be how many minutes he could play and how long will his body hold up. It’s not easy to get in shape in five days!” Tiu pointed out.
“I’m just expecting him to provide some stability and leadership. There’s no better leader in our team than him. I’m excited but have to manage expectations.”
