By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The TNT Tropang Giga will kick off the upcoming PBA conference with a new floor general after acquiring veteran point guard Rey Nambatac from the Blackwater Bossing confirmed on June 2, 2024.
To proceed with the negotiation, the Tropang Giga had to send their defensive guard Kib Montalbo, bruising big man Jewel Ponferada, and a second-round pick in the PBA Season 53 Rookie Draft.
Before getting the approval of the PBA board headed by commissioner Willie Marcial, the Tropang Giga management had to revise the terms twice which would make the deal fair for both camps.
Previously, TNT only offered Montalbo and a second-round pick for the services of Nambatac, an initial proposal that the PBA committee instantly turned down.
After the first proposal, TNT tried to add other names and tweak the deal, but it was only Ponferada’s addition that made the PBA board approve the trade.
Nambatac immediately made an impact upon arriving in Blackwater and helped them win games in the regular season, averaging 11.1 points, 4,4 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game.
Known for his craftiness inside the playing court, Nambatac’s addition to the already stacked TNT lineup will bring more offensive versatility to the guard pool.
In Montalbo’s case, the Tropang Giga lacked their much-needed shot-making when Jason Castro and Calvin Oftana sat out on the bench as he was known for his defensive prowess.
With Nambatac’s presence, the rest of the Tropang Giga could rely on his offensive capabilities while distributing the leather as the team’s point guard.
