Camille Naredo

Rey Nambatac receives the Finals MVP trophy after TNT's Game 7 win against Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals, March 28, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA Images

Rey Nambatac receives the Finals MVP trophy after TNT's Game 7 win against Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals, March 28, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1743174562604129A3598.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Rey Nambatac receives the Finals MVP trophy after TNT&#x27;s Game 7 win against Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner&#x27;s Cup Finals, March 28, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA Images"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Rey Nambatac receives the Finals MVP trophy after TNT&#x27;s Game 7 win against Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner&#x27;s Cup Finals, March 28, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum. <em>PBA Images</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- Rey Nambatac was tasked to take on a bigger responsibility for TNT in the Finals of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner&#x27;s Cup, and he delivered.</p><p>With veteran point guard Jayson Castro sidelined with a season-ending injury, Nambatac was thrust into the spotlight as the Tropang GIGA&#x27;s primary playmaker at the biggest stage. It was a challenge that the former Letran guard accepted, and he played a huge role in TNT&#x27;s conquest of Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner&#x27;s Cup Finals.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/3/1/pba-jayson-castro-out-for-rest-of-season-after-suffering-patellar-tendon-injury-1704">READ: Jayson Castro out for rest of season after suffering patellar tendon injury</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/3/28/pba-tnt-extends-mastery-of-ginebra-seals-commissioners-cup-title-2234">READ: TNT extends mastery of Ginebra, seals Commissioner&#x27;s Cup title</a></div><p>Nambatac put up averages of 19.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.0 steal in the seven-game series en route to winning Finals Most Valuable Player honors.</p><p>In TNT&#x27;s gutsy 87-83 overtime win in Game 7 on Friday night, Nambatac battled through cramps to finish with 22 points, four assists, and three steals.</p><p>Afterward, he dedicated his individual trophy to the player who had been in his ear throughout the series, encouraging him to level up his game.</p><p>&quot;Pinasasalamatan ko si Kuya Jayson -- ang naging mentor ko talaga sa series na ito. Kung hindi dahil sa kaniya, hindi ako magi-step up,&quot; said Nambatac.</p><p>The seventh overall pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft, Nambatac spent the first six seasons of his career with Rain or Shine before being traded to Blackwater in February 2024. In July 2024, he was acquired by TNT, and has since helped the Tropang GIGA win back-to-back PBA crowns.</p>

<p>Rey Nambatac was tasked to take on a bigger responsibility for TNT in the Finals of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup, and he delivered.</p>

Rey Nambatac was tasked to take on a bigger responsibility for TNT in the Finals of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup, and he delivered.

PBA: Rey Nambatac dedicates Finals MVP to 'mentor' Jayson Castro

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Basketball

PBA: Rey Nambatac dedicates Finals MVP to 'mentor' Jayson Castro

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 28, 2025 11:10 PM PHT

Read More:

abssports

absnews

basketball

PBA

PBA Commissioner's Cup

TNT Tropang GIGA

Rey Nambatac

Jayson Castro

Barangay Ginebra

Finals MVP

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.