Bong Ravena says joining Terrific 12 for betterment of TNT KaTropa

After losing the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals to San Miguel Beer, the TNT KaTropa will look to tighten things up when they join the East Asia Super League’s Terrific 12 slated starting September 17.

TNT head coach Bong Ravena stressed the importance of being able to get games in the bag before the PBA Governors’ Cup begins later this month, as expectations are high for the MVP-backed ball club.

“We really need that scrimmage (games) like that to help us,” said Ravena to an interview with Sports Center Philippines. “Joining that tournament for our team, we need to prepare for the 3rd conference, so hitting two birds with one stone. As much as we can, winning games there will be much better for our team.”

The KaTropa have enlisted the services of a legitimate NBA-caliber talent in KJ McDaniels for the Governors’ Cup, and the tournament will serve as a barometer to see where the former Houston Rocket fits in so far with the group.

They will also have McKenzie Moore for the tournament.

“We have to be ready. We don’t know the teams we are playing. International competition yan. For us, it’s nothing but games for us joining that tournament. It’s positive for us joining that tournament,” added Ravena.

The KaTropa mentor, who once played for the same franchise years back, also mentioned that because TNT reached the championship round last conference, they should aim high once again and use the tournament to try and learn more along the way.

“Last conference, we are very fortunate to reach that level. We didn’t expect that. It’s a blessing for us. We have to be on that level,” said Ravena. “Dapat may goal ka. If you reach that level, you will experience losses to get better. That experience will help us along the way later on.”

Aside from TNT, Blackwater and San Miguel will also represent the PBA in the invitational tournament.

Photo from PBA Images