SIMON Enciso is motivated to contribute to TNT and the Tropang 5G’s bid to complete a grand slam in the 49th season of the PBA.
Left unsigned by San Miguel at the end of his last contract, Enciso signed a two-year deal with the Tropang 5G just in time for the Philippine Cup where the team is vying for a hat-trick of conference championships.
The 34-year-old Enciso said there is no pressure that comes with being signed by a team that is going for a grand slam, saying his main focus is to get a full grasp of the TNT system in time for his debut.
READ TNT steps up bid for grand slam with Inspire Academy traning camp
“Obviously, they won without me so I don’t think they need me but I do feel that I can definitely help especially on both sides,” said Enciso. “I pride myself on playing both sides of the floor on offense and defense. So I’m just coming in with no pressure at all.”
“Just trying to work hard and learn the system and really just kind of jell well with the guys because I know they have a winning culture ready and I just want to be part of it,” said the 5-foot-11 Enciso.
Enciso joined TNT after a four-year career with San Miguel where he won two championships in the 2022 Philippine Cup and 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup. While it was a difficult decision to part ways with San Miguel, Enciso said having already played with TNT also made it easier to sign with the Tropang 5G.
“It was super difficult [to leave SMB]. I love those guys. My teammates, I have a lot of history with them too. I won my first two championships with them so there’s a bit of sentimental value with those guys,” said Enciso.
“But I’ve also gone through the trenches with Talk ‘N Text. Through the first bubble, we made it to the championship but unfortunately, we lost. It gives me another chance to kind of redeem myself a little bit. We’ll see,” Enciso said.
Enciso admitted being a free agent was rough, especially in terms of not receiving a salary. That's why Enciso is very grateful to TNT for the offer.
“When I got the call from Talk ‘N Text, I told them I was ready to play. I was just grateful for them to give me a chance. So that’s what I’m doing. I’m showing up every day. I practice early, getting my work in, just really putting my head down and just getting ready for the season.”
“I wasn’t expecting it,” Enciso said of the two-year contract. “I was super shocked when they showed me the contract when I got there. But other than being shocked, I was just grateful. Two months any pay and try to grind it out and stuff, pay the bills, and stuff like that, it was super rough.”
“It was an eye opener of life after basketball. But now that I get a little bit of leeway with Talk ‘N Text’s contract and the opportunity, I definitely won’t take it for granted this time,” said Enciso.
Enciso likes TNT's title chances
TNT is facing worthy opponents for the Philippine Cup crown which includes his former team San Miguel, a perennial title contender in any all-Filipino conference.
But with the heart TNT showed especially in the Commissioner’s Cup, Enciso said it’s difficult to ignore the Tropang 5G out this conference.
“To have showed its grit and determination last conference, and yes, Rondae (Hollis-Jefferson) plays a huge part. But when I watched that series, I saw a lot of just heart and determination. To those guys, and hats off to them, they worked hard, they made big shots, they’ve got big stops, you just have to give credit.
“I’m just excited and grateful to be part of it. For me, I’m going into this opportunity with no ego, just willing to learn the system, and whatever coach Chot [Reyes] and the guys need me to do, I’m here to help,” said Enciso.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
