Rey Nambatac is now officially TNT-bound. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

 

MANILA–After over a week of waiting, Rey Nambatac will finally get to suit up for TNT in the upcoming PBA season after the league finally approved the trade that also sends Kib Montalbo to Blackwater.

On Tuesday, the PBA announced that the revised trade package got the green light from the league’s trade committee.

Initially a Nambatac for Montalbo and a future second-round pick swap, the Tropang Giga added Jewel Ponferada to the package they will send to the Bossing, which was deemed acceptable enough by the PBA trade committee.

The league then announced that the draft pick TNT sent to Blackwater is for the Season 53 Draft scheduled for 2028.

The Bossing thought they got huge help in Nambatac as they raced to a surprising 3-0 start in the previous PBA Philippine Cup, entertaining thoughts from fans that they might make the quarterfinals.

However, they lost their next seven, effectively shutting down their playoff hopes, although they won their last game.

Now, the Ever Bilena franchise will pin their hopes on Montalbo, who hopes to bounce back after struggling last season, and Ponferada, who could greatly help their frontline.

On the other hand, Nambatac strengthens TNT’s backcourt as they look to get back in the title picture after a relatively dismal Season 48 campaign.