Young KaTropa stalwarts prove they can play with the big boys

There were plenty of heroes for TnT KaTropa in game 1 on of the PBA Commissioners Cup Finals. That included the young guns such as rookie Roger Pogoy, Mo Tautuaa, Troy Rosario and RR Garcia. They are the new faces on the squad, far different from the 2015 lineup where TnT last won a championship.

Together with the Jayson Castro, the new mix proved key in keeping the San Miguel Beermen at bay.

TNT’s Jayson Castro and RR Pogoy
(MB Photo | Rio Leonelle Deluvio)

“Sinasabi lang namin na enjoy lang nila ang game, then embrace pressure – kasi first time, for sure, may pressure – which is maganda para sa amin,” Castro advised the first-timers.

The usual supporting cast of Castro did not play in game one. Ranidel de Ocampo was under-the-weather while Ryan Reyes suited up but was not fielded in by coach Nash Racela to rest.

“We really wanted them to contribute. Especially today, knowing that two of our veterans are hurting. I think that is a result of knowing that they need to step up for the veterans,” said Racela.

Castro used the absence of De Ocampo and Reyes as an extra motivation for others to step up on one of the biggest stages in the PBA.

Source: http://sports.mb.com.ph/2017/06/22/pba-young-katropa-stalwarts-prove-they-can-play-with-the-big-boys/