FILE–San Miguel guard Simon Enciso celebrates during Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Magnolia. Enciso is back with TNT on a two-year deal in time for the Philippine Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Grand Slam-seeking TNT made sure to fill up its dire need for an additional piece in the backcourt before the PBA Philippine Cup campaign by signing veteran free agent Simon Enciso.
The team announced the signing through its social media accounts Tuesday as Enciso opted to test the waters as an unrestricted free agent after spending four seasons with San Miguel Beer.
Tropang 5G team manager Jojo Lastimosa later told The Inquirer that Enciso inked a two-year deal in order to complete his return to the franchise he used to play during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
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“[He’s a] crucial [addition because] we have another shooting guard,” Lastimosa said.
TNT is banking on Enciso to fill up the void left by veteran guard Jayson Castro, who is out for the season after sustaining a knee injury in Game 2 of the Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series against Rain or Shine.
Enciso is also going to be tasked to provide some cover for Rey Nambatac, the Finals Most Valuable Player of the Commissioner’s Cup after TNT outlasted Barangay Ginebra in a thrilling seven-game series for the title.
The Tropang 5G are in a quest to complete only the sixth Grand Slam in PBA history.
READ: TNT goes for Grand Slam in PH Cup under new Tropang 5G moniker
In his first TNT stint, Enciso averaged 9.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 22 games of the Philippine Cup, the only conference played in 2020 due to Covid-19.
TNT made the Finals of that tournament in Pampanga, but lost to Ginebra, 4-1, for the championship.
Enciso was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent since he has already played a minimum of 21 conferences.
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