TNT Tropang 5G is determined to stay in the hunt despite an uneven start to its PBA Governors’ Cup campaign, with the team expecting reinforcement in August when resident import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is set to rejoin the defending champions.

The absence of Hollis-Jefferson has been evident during TNT’s opening games, as the squad has found it difficult to replicate the consistency and intensity that have become hallmarks of its championship-winning teams. While the Tropang 5G continue to compete every night, closing out games has proven to be a challenge without the player who has served as the team’s emotional leader and on-court catalyst.

For the coaching staff and players, the focus has shifted to surviving the early part of the conference while waiting for one of the league’s most dependable imports to return.

Hollis-Jefferson has earned a reputation as more than just a prolific scorer. Throughout his PBA career, he has built his value through his versatility, relentless defence and ability to impact virtually every aspect of the game. Whether it is grabbing crucial rebounds, defending multiple positions, initiating fast breaks or making timely baskets, the former NBA standout has consistently delivered when his team has needed him most.

Those qualities have been difficult to replace.

Without him in the lineup, TNT has leaned heavily on its veteran local players to shoulder additional responsibilities. The team’s experienced core has responded with determination, but the increased workload has inevitably tested the depth of the roster against opponents that have enjoyed the advantage of having established imports available from the opening tip.

The challenge has not been limited to scoring.

TNT has also missed Hollis-Jefferson’s ability to organise the defence and create momentum-changing plays. His presence often allows teammates to play more naturally within their roles, knowing that someone capable of influencing both ends of the floor is anchoring the team’s effort.

Instead, the Tropang 5G has had to rely on collective execution rather than individual brilliance.

There have been encouraging signs despite the setbacks. Several role players have embraced expanded opportunities, gaining valuable experience against top-level competition. Younger members of the roster have also received increased minutes, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate their development under pressure.

Those experiences could become important later in the conference when the roster is finally at full strength.

Head coach Chot Reyes has remained composed throughout the team’s difficult stretch, emphasising that the conference is a marathon rather than a sprint. According to Reyes, maintaining confidence and continuing to improve each game are more important than dwelling on early results.

That message has resonated inside the locker room.

The players have continued to compete with energy despite knowing that reinforcements are still weeks away. Rather than using Hollis-Jefferson’s absence as an excuse, the squad has adopted a next-man-up mentality, with every player expected to contribute regardless of role.

Still, there is no denying the significance of the anticipated reunion.

Unlike newly recruited imports who often require time to build chemistry, Hollis-Jefferson is already deeply familiar with TNT’s offensive and defensive systems. His understanding of the coaching staff’s expectations, combined with his strong relationships with teammates, should allow him to make an immediate impact upon his arrival.

That continuity is expected to be one of the team’s greatest advantages.

His return also provides greater tactical flexibility. Hollis-Jefferson’s ability to defend guards, forwards and even bigger players gives TNT more options when matching up against opposing imports. Offensively, he can initiate plays, finish in transition and create scoring opportunities for teammates without disrupting the team’s rhythm.

Those attributes have made him one of the PBA’s most valuable reinforcements over the past several conferences.

The remaining challenge for TNT is keeping itself within striking distance before August arrives.

Every victory becomes increasingly valuable in a tightly contested Governors’ Cup, where a slow start can make the road to the playoffs significantly more difficult. The Tropang 5G therefore understand that they cannot afford to simply wait for their star import to rescue the season.

Instead, they must continue building habits that will benefit the team once the full roster is available.

Improving defensive communication, limiting costly turnovers and executing more efficiently in late-game situations remain priorities for the coaching staff. Addressing those areas now could make the transition smoother when Hollis-Jefferson eventually rejoins the lineup.

Inside the organisation, optimism remains high.

Players believe the adversity they are experiencing today could ultimately strengthen the team’s resolve later in the conference. Battling through difficult situations without one of their biggest stars has required greater accountability from everyone, creating opportunities for others to grow in confidence and responsibility.

When Hollis-Jefferson finally lands in August, he is expected to return to a team that has fought to remain competitive despite challenging circumstances.

If TNT succeeds in staying within reach of the league’s leading teams, his arrival could provide exactly the spark needed to reignite another title campaign.

Until then, the defending champions know every possession, every game and every win matters. The road has become more demanding without their trusted import, but the Tropang 5G remain determined to keep their championship aspirations alive until their cornerstone player is back where he belongs—leading the charge on the court.