REY Nambatac admitted the challenge has become even bigger for him following his long-awaited transfer to TNT last week.
Given the winning tradition of the flagship team of the MVP group, Nambatac, 30, said he expects all eyes to be on him especially with the Tropang Giga extremely going out of their way to acquire his services in a much ballyhooed trade with Blackwater.
The deal was one month in the making and needed several revisions before it was finally approved by the PBA Commissioner’s Office.
“Knowing TNT, very competitive team sila at malaki yung expectations lagi ng fans sa kanila. So for me, it’s an extra motivation,” said Nambatac on Tuesday, finally breaking his silence following his transfer to TNT.
“For sure marami pa akong matututunan at mai-improve lalo na half of the team ay Gilas at ex-Gilas players. So yung experience nila makukuha ko.”
Although the TNT-Blackwater trade has long been a public knowledge, Nambatac admitted it still hit him when it was finally done.
The NCAA champion player from Letran also disclosed having sleepless nights during the stretch when the trade was hanging in the balance.
“Almost a month bago na-approve, so ako naman hindi ako maka-focus totally kasi hindi ko maiwasan na mag-isip regarding the trade,” said Nambatac.
Originally the deal involved Nambatac being sent by Blackwater to TNT for guard Kib Montalbo and a future second round pick.
Unfortunately, the proposal was thumbed down by the league’s trade committee.
Several names were also floated as possible part of a new trade deal, players such as Barkley Ebona, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, and Paul Varilla.
It was until a fourth revision that included Montalbo, veteran Jewel Ponferada, and a second round pick in Season 53 did the trade finally got approved.
Nambatac, who was acquired by the Bossing from Rain or Shine in exchange for a Season 49 first round pick and the Season 50 second round selection, only played for one conference with the team during the Philippine Cup where he averaged 10.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
Unfortunately, Blackwater bombed out for a playoff berth after a sizzling 3-0 start in the conference.
Even though there were already rumors spreading about his possible transfer to TNT, Nambatac said he still gave it the benefit of the doubt.
“Nabigla lang ako about the trade kasi I was not aware na mate-trade ako. Parang ang bilis lang ng mga pangyayari,” he said.
But with everything settled down, Nambatac said he can now focus on the job at hand and help TNT in its quest for another championship.
“May mga bagay tayong hindi kontrolado,” he admitted. “Pero ngayon focus na ulit tayo.”
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