‘Kapal ng mukha’: Almond Vosotros answers call as TNT Grand Slam dream teeters

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TNT coach Chot Reyes pulls a gem at the end of his bench amid a challenging PBA Philippine Cup finals bid as veteran sniper Almond Vosotros fearlessly takes charge despite a losing bid against mighty San Miguel

MANILA, Philippines – The TNT Tropang 5G entered the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup with lofty dreams as the rare Grand Slam season appeared within reach, 11 years after the last instance manifested itself in Asia’s oldest professional basketball league.

That dream, however, is slowly turning to a grim wake-up call as the proud franchise endures a steady ravaging of injuries, from top-flight guards Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac, key big man Poy Erram, and — as recently as Friday night, July 18 — spitfire reserve Simon Enciso.

Facing the full force of the mighty San Miguel Beermen, TNT is now all but forced to turn to unlikely sources for inspiration and production, especially from the backcourt. On Friday night, it was Almond Vosotros’ chance for the taking, and take the chance he certainly did.

In just 13 minutes off the bench, the PBA 3×3 all-time leading scorer exploded for 14 points, 11 coming in the Tropang 5G’s fourth-quarter comeback attempt alone, on 4-of-5 shooting from three.

Sidestepping past defenders for shots, launching bombs with hands on his face, Vosotros threw everything he had to San Miguel, but his solitary efforts were just not enough as the Beermen pulled away with an 18-5 finish en route to a 108-88 finals Game 3 blowout win for the 2-1 series lead.

Still, the former La Salle standout stood proudly after the loss as reporters swarmed the unassuming guard for comment on his performance — a memorable spot in an otherwise forgettable loss.

“I know my role in this team,” the 35-year-old veteran said in Filipino. “If you remember what Coach Chot [Reyes] said after my first game back against NorthPort, kaya niya ako pinabalik dito kasi may konting kapal pa ng mukha. He knows.”

(He made me return to the team because I still have that confidence.)

Despite his rather advanced age and smaller stature at 5-foot-10, “Vosotres” indeed always carries with him undeniable confidence, international tournament-caliber shooting, and the intangible game experience that few teams can get at the very end of their benches.

“I’ve been with TNT for seven years — the experience is there. My confidence is there but I just got a bit winded at the end [of Game 3].”

Ahead of a pivotal Game 4 on Sunday, July 20, Vosotros is expected to again take on an expanded load should Enciso — who suffered a black eye off an errant Marcio Lassiter elbow — not be able to take on his usual role for TNT.

If Game 3 was any indication, San Miguel cannot make the same mistake of forgetting about Vosotros lest TNT ride his hands toward a crucial 2-2 series tie.

“I just have to be ready all the time. Coach Chot always has that trust in me,” Vosotros said. – Rappler.com