TNT’s Dickel on Ginebra: ‘When you say their names, they present different problems’

After surviving the 8th-seeded Alaska Aces in the quarter-finals, the TNT KaTropa will now prepare for an even tougher opponent in Barangay Ginebra in the semis of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Import Terrence Jones said the team will have take strength from their chemistry knowing Ginebra has the crowd advantage.

“We just need to have that bond within ourselves as teammates and believe in ourselves no matter if it feels like a road game or not,” he said.

Meanwhile, coaching consultant Mark Dickel said he has yet to realize the magnitude of the latest chapter in the TNT-Ginebra rivalry, but recognizes such players from Ginebra can pose problems to them.

“It’s a big challenge obviously. Traditionally, they’ve done really well,” said Dickel of Ginebra. “When you say their names, they are going to present different trouble, different issues.”

The two franchises have a storied rivalry, which dates back to the late 1990s. They squared off in the finals of the 2004 All-Filipino conference and 2011 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, splitting the championships.

Ginebra and TNT will begin their semi-finals clash on Friday.