MANILA, Philippines – The TNT Tropang 5G, fresh from sweeping the season’s two import-reinforced tournaments, are aware that completing a historic Triple Crown will not come easily. As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 49 Philippine Cup progresses, the road to achieving this rare feat presents significant challenges for the team.

Playing without their celebrated import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, TNT stumbled out of the gates, suffering a 74-91 defeat against the NLEX Road Warriors in their season opener last Wednesday. The loss served as a clear indication that the absence of key players would require the team to dig deeper and recalibrate their strategies moving forward.

The Tropang 5G now brace for another tough assignment as they face the Converge FiberXers in their second game, scheduled at 7:30 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. Despite the setback against NLEX, TNT remains determined to prove its mettle. The players understand that questions regarding their capability to win without Hollis-Jefferson will persist until they demonstrate otherwise through decisive performances.

Team manager Jojo Lastimosa had earlier stressed the importance of the local core stepping up in the absence of their usual import support. He emphasized that the players needed to seize the opportunity to show they could win on their own strength, affirming the belief that the team’s success was built not only on one individual but on collective effort and resilience.

The FiberXers present a formidable challenge, boasting a solid lineup across all positions. The frontcourt tandem of Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar is expected to test the defensive resolve of TNT’s big men, particularly veterans Poy Erram and Kelly Williams. Meanwhile, Converge’s backcourt, featuring Alec Stockton, Jordan Heading, and Schonny Winston, will look to match up aggressively against Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, and Rey Nambatac.

Converge enters the matchup with a 2-2 record. They have demonstrated their potential with victories over Phoenix (92-83) and Blackwater (111-80) but have also shown vulnerabilities in close losses to Meralco (89-91) and Magnolia (71-83). The FiberXers’ mix of young talent and aggressive style of play makes them a dangerous opponent for any team, including the title-seeking TNT squad.

For the Tropang 5G, the focus remains on steady improvement and finding rhythm without two of their key contributors. Alongside Hollis-Jefferson’s absence, TNT must also cope without the leadership and experience of veteran Jayson Castro, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. The loss of Castro leaves another significant void, particularly in organizing the offense and providing stability during critical stretches of the game.

Recognizing the heavy expectations that come with chasing a Grand Slam, the Tropang 5G leadership has encouraged the team to adopt a mindset of one game at a time, minimizing the pressure that often accompanies historic pursuits. Rather than becoming burdened by the prospect of completing the Triple Crown, the players are being urged to remain focused on the immediate task at hand—rebuilding chemistry, regaining confidence, and executing their system effectively.

The opening loss to NLEX served as a wake-up call that nothing will be handed to them easily this conference. TNT struggled with turnovers, lacked fluidity on offense, and failed to match the defensive energy that had been a hallmark of their previous tournament successes. These deficiencies must be addressed quickly if they are to compete consistently against tough opponents like Converge.

Much will also depend on the ability of the team’s remaining veterans to lead by example. Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, and Kelly Williams will need to shoulder greater responsibility, both in production and in guiding younger players through high-pressure situations. The development of players like Jaydee Tungcab, Kib Montalbo, and Dave Marcelo will be critical in providing depth and energy off the bench.

As they move deeper into the conference, the Tropang 5G understand that the path to the Grand Slam will require resilience, adaptability, and a relentless work ethic. Every opponent, starting with Converge, will aim to derail their historic bid. The journey toward the Triple Crown has officially begun—and for TNT, it is clear that success will demand nothing less than their very best.