Romwel Anzures

TNT Tropang 5G guard Rey Nambatac against the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images.

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768910295855IMG_9713.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="TNT Tropang 5G guard Rey Nambatac against the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images."/>TNT Tropang 5G guard Rey Nambatac against the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images.MANILA — Once sidelined due to a groin injury, TNT Tropang 5G star Rey Nambatac is out to make up for lost time as he returns to the PBA Finals stage.</div>The one-time Finals MVP eyes redemption as TNT takes on the San Miguel Beermen anew, this time in the Season 50 Philippine Cup title round, with Nambatac embracing the challenge ahead.“This time, healthy na, so susubok ulit ako na kunin yung pangatlong kampeonato ko,” the Colegio de San Juan de Letran product told ABS-CBN News during Monday’s Finals press conference in Quezon City.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/1/19/pba-tnt-to-test-retooled-reloaded-roster-vs-benchmark-smb-in-finals-rematch-2010">READ: TNT to test retooled, reloaded roster vs. ‘benchmark’ SMB in Finals rematch</a></div>Nambatac saw firsthand how TNT succumbed to San Miguel in six games during the Season 49 All-Filipino Finals. The Tropang 5G were forced to rely heavily on reserves Simon Enciso, Ping Exciminiano, Brian Heruela, and Almond Vosotros after losing both Nambatac and Jayson Castro, who is still recovering from a patellar tendon tear.But while he could only watch as San Miguel Beer derailed their grand slam bid last year, Nambatac said he made sure to make the most out of that setback.“Marami akong natutunan kahit nakaupo ako last conference,” he shared. “Iba yung tingin mo sa court kesa sa ‘pag naglalaro ka. So may natutunan akong pointers na maaari kong gamitin this time.”That period on the sidelines gave him a new perspective on his role as TNT’s lead guard, pushing him to be more impactful on both ends, and beyond scoring and playmaking.“Talagang hirap kami sa point guard. Kahit andoon si Simon, na-injure na rin siya sa kasagsagan ng series,” he said. “Yun yung naging butas.”Now back in uniform, Nambatac is driven not only by TNT’s unfinished business but also by the pressure that comes with being healthy again.“Ang pinakamalaking difference ngayon is pressure. Kasi last conference, wala nga akong magawa,” he said. “So yung pressure na dala ko ngayon, kapag ‘di ko yun na-handle, maa-outwork talaga ako dito sa Finals.”Still, the 5-foot-11 guard from Cagayan de Oro views that pressure as fuel rather than a burden.“Yung pressure naman na yun, maganda at malaking motivation sa akin,” he added. “May something sa sarili ko na I have to prove. So hangga&#x27;t maaari, kailangan mas may impact ako sa team lalo.”Nambatac is also optimistic about TNT’s reinforced lineup, highlighted by the addition of former collegiate rival Jio Jalalon, along with Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill, as they look to match the depth of San Miguel.“Ngayon, mas healthy na kami, and andyan na si Jio,” he said. “Let’s see kung yung kulang na yun ba ang susi para makakuha ulit ng isa pang kampeonato.”Game 1 of the best-of-seven Finals tips off on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. RELATED VIDEO:<script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=ABwMAHfp6Zmj5uY6"></script>

#PBA50 || “Marami akong natutunan kahit nakaupo ako last conference,” he shared with ABS-CBN News. “Iba yung tingin mo sa loob ng court kesa sa naglalaro ka lang. So may natutunan akong pointers na maaari kong gamitin this time.” #PBAFinals

#PBA50 || “Marami akong natutunan kahit nakaupo ako last conference,” he shared with ABS-CBN News. “Iba yung tingin mo sa loob ng court kesa sa naglalaro ka lang. So may natutunan akong pointers na maaari kong gamitin this time.” #PBAFinals

PBA: Pressure, purpose, and perspective drive Nambatac’s Finals return with TNT

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PBA: Pressure, purpose, and perspective drive Nambatac’s Finals return with TNT

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 20, 2026 09:15 PM PHT

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