TNT assistant coach Josh Reyes says Dave Marcelo violated team values

Dave Marcelo had been slapped with a team suspension for Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--TNT assistant coach Josh Reyes shed some light on why Dave Marcelo was not even at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga when the team clinched the PBA Philippine Cup title on Friday night.

The son of Tropang Giga head coach Chot Reyes said on Thursday that the burly center was given disciplinary action, thus, he was "grounded" in his room at Quest Hotel in Mabalacat.

"May nangyari that we felt was totally against the team values that we were trying to build," the younger Reyes said in the Usapang Sports online forum. "It was an internal team decision to put some disciplinary measures."

However, he kept mum on further details about the demerit, saying that they are sensitive enough not to be disclosed at the moment.

"I'm not gonna divulge any sensitive information," Coach Josh said.

TNT's interesting decision to give Marcelo the NWT (Not With the Team) tag in the stat sheet came amid a report from Spin.PH's Gerry Ramos that there was an altercation between him and Magnolia's Aris Dionisio after Game 4.

Meanwhile, Reyes added that these team values have been instilled in the Tropang Giga players ever since his father returned to lead the team.

"From Day 1, we talked about our culture, team values, and building the team and not about winning per se," the younger Reyes continued.

No wonder why the team quickly handed the sanction to Marcelo for his blunder even as Reyes added that they would still not regret not bringing in Marcelo assuming Magnolia took Game 5 and forced a Game 6.

"That's non-negotiable. We can't compromise on that even though it can put winning in jeopardy. Our team values come first. If you break that, then there would be consequences because we have to uphold those values," Reyes further said. "Dave understands it. Hopefully, it's a lesson na ma-instill sa kanya for life."

He then clarified that the Tropang Giga are not singling Marcelo out as the same team suspension would be meted to anyone violating their team values.

"It goes for everybody. Even if it's not Dave Marcelo, even if it's Mikey Williams or Jayson Castro who will break our philosophy and team values, if you go against what we believe in, that can't be compromised in our team," Reyes continued. "Everybody is accountable for their own actions."

Despite keeping him at Quest, the Tropang Giga did not leave Marcelo out when they celebrated the Philippine Cup championship when they themselves stormed into his room to have him get his own taste of championship glory.

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