TNT Tropang Giga’s Rey Nambatac gears up for PBA 2025 Philippine Cup return

After watching from the sidelines during a crucial stretch of last season, Rey Nambatac is determined to come back stronger as he gears up for a return to action in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50, starting with the Philippine Cup on October 5.

The TNT Tropang Giga guard missed the majority of last season’s All-Filipino conference due to a groin injury that sidelined him early in the tournament. His absence proved costly, as TNT’s bid for a historic PBA Grand Slam fell short, leaving Nambatac with a heavy heart and a lingering “what if.”

“What if, ‘no? Kung andun sana ako, kahit papano may maitutulong din sana,” Nambatac shared during the PBA Media Day. “Not just on offense — siyempre ‘yung presence and then ‘yung pagiging leader na rin sa team as a point guard. ‘Yun ‘yung isang bagay na matutulong ko sana sa team nung last finals namin.”

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

The 31-year-old playmaker was one of TNT’s most anticipated additions last season, coming off strong campaigns in previous conferences, including a standout run that saw him named Finals MVP of the Commissioner’s Cup. His leadership, scoring punch, and court vision were expected to bolster the already formidable Tropang Giga lineup. Unfortunately, the timing of his injury could not have been worse, as TNT’s depth was tested deep into the playoff grind.

“Well, excited na ako and may kaunting gigil, lalo na nung last finals namin. Talagang wala akong magawa kundi manood lang, mag-cheer sa mga kasama ko,” he said. “Lalo na nung nakikita ko mga teammates ko na lahat sila may iniiindang injuries. Sa part ko, medyo masakit kasi wala akong nagawa.”

BREAKING: Rey Nambatac is “healthy and ready to play” in the PBA Philippine Cup Season 50.#PBA #tnttropang5G pic.twitter.com/FzB9kh4NNm

— SportsManda (@manda_sports) September 29, 2025

Despite the frustration, Nambatac has used the offseason to recover, refocus, and rebuild his strength. Now, with the league’s golden season just around the corner, he is confident that he will return to full form and contribute in a big way.

“So far naman ito, unti-unti nakukuha ko na ulit ‘yung rhythm ko, ‘yung timing ko and the conditioning,” he said. “Itong panibagong conference, All-Filipino, rest assured naman na healthy ako and ready to play.”

Nambatac’s return adds another dimension to an already loaded TNT backcourt that includes the likes of Jayson Castro, Mikey Williams, and RR Pogoy — provided they are also healthy. With veteran head coach Chot Reyes returning to lead the squad, TNT remains one of the favorites heading into the new season.

For Nambatac, however, the goal is more personal: to prove to himself and his teammates that he can still perform at a high level after a setback that tested both his physical and mental resolve.

“Mas gutom ako ngayon. Gusto kong bumawi hindi lang para sa sarili ko, kundi para sa team. May unfinished business kami,” he said.

The PBA’s historic 50th season promises to be one of the most competitive yet, with all 12 teams retooling their rosters and strengthening their campaigns in pursuit of silverware. The season kicks off with the Philippine Cup, followed by the Governors’ Cup, and wraps up with the Commissioner’s Cup, stretching all the way into December 2026.

As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on players like Rey Nambatac — stars who are hungry, healed, and hoping to write a different story in this milestone year of the PBA.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.