The Talk N’ Text TNT KaTropa is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Meralco Bolts at 6:00 P.M. on December 22, 2021 live from Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
The reigning Philippine Cup champion, the KaTropa is gunning for their back-to-back victories while the Bolts want to keep their current record a clean slate when these sister-teams collide this evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Prior to the start of the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup, head coach Norman Black and most of the Meralco fans are aware that their beloved season-ending tournament import Allen Durham won’t be available as he is currently having some basketball-related obligation abroad.
The Bolts moved on and shopped for a new import and found Tony Bishop. The Panamanian player had his acid test against the Blackwater Bossings a few days ago and delivered 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 block shots.
Bolts’ head coach Norman Black seems like he is impressed with the performance of his new “Hulk” import.
“He can shoot from the perimeter and get points inside and more importantly, he rebounded the basketball and blocked some shots defensively,” said Black. “He has a lot of versatility in his game, an all-around player. I don’t think he’s the give-him-the-ball, get-out-of-the-way type of player but he fits well with what we do in terms of ball movement and player movement,” he added.
For TNT on the other hand, looks like they’re still in their “Cloud 9” moment after they claimed the trophy of the All-Filipino Cup.
Talk ‘N Text’s head coach Chot Reyes is aware of that and for sure major adjustments is on the way.
“We really expected to struggle in our first few games because we haven’t played any tune-up or practice game with Mac (Moore), Gab (Banal), and the new guys (prior to the tournament debut),” said Reyes. “We have to be patient.”