TNT Tropang 5G

{{Short description|Philippine professional basketball team}} {{Redirect|TNT Tropang Giga|the franchise's affiliate 3x3 basketball team|TNT Triple Giga}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2026}} {{Use Philippine English|date=September 2022}} {{Infobox basketball team | current= 2025–26 TNT Tropang 5G season | name=TNT Tropang 5G | logo= TNT Tropang 5G logo.png | founded=1990 | history='''Pepsi Hotshots''' (1990–1992) '''7–Up Uncolas''' (1992–1993) '''Pepsi Mega Bottlers''' (1993–1996) '''Mobiline Cellulars''' (1996–1997) '''Mobiline Phone Pals''' (1997–2001) '''Talk 'N Text Phone Pals''' (2001–2008) '''Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters''' (2008–2015) '''TNT Tropang Texters''' (2015) '''Tropang TNT''' (2016) '''TNT KaTropa''' (2016–2020) '''TNT Tropang Giga''' (2020–2025) '''TNT Tropang 5G'''<ref>{{cite news |date=April 3, 2025 |title=TNT Tropang Giga rebrands to Tropang 5G, ushering in new era |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tnt-tropang-giga-rebrands-to-tropang-5g-ushering-in-new-era/333538 |access-date=April 4, 2025 |work=Tiebreaker Times |archive-date=April 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404092044/https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tnt-tropang-giga-rebrands-to-tropang-5g-ushering-in-new-era/333538 |url-status=live }}</ref> (2025–present) | colors=Blue, black, yellow, white {{color box|#{{PBA color|TNT Tropang 5G|1}}}} {{color box|#{{PBA color|TNT Tropang 5G|3}}}} {{color box|#{{PBA color|TNT Tropang 5G|2}}}} {{color box|#{{PBA color|TNT Tropang 5G|4}}}} | owner=[[Manny Pangilinan]] | board_governor = [[Ricky Vargas]] Jude Turcuato (alternate) | manager = [[Jojo Lastimosa]] Yvette Ruiz (assistant) | company = [[Smart Communications]] | coach = [[Chot Reyes]] | championships= '''11 championships'''

(*) special championship

26 Finals appearances |ret_nums = '''3''' ([[Jimmy Alapag|3]], [[Harvey Carey|4]], [[Ranidel de Ocampo|33]])

|website = }} {{PLDT sports teams}} The '''TNT Tropang 5G''' is a professional basketball team currently owned by [[Smart Communications]], a subsidiary of the [[PLDT|Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company]] (PLDT), playing in the [[Philippine Basketball Association]] (PBA) since 1990.

The franchise began in 1990 when [[Pepsi Philippines|Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.]] (PCPPI) acquired a PBA franchise. Under PCPPI, the franchise played under the names [[Pepsi]] and [[7 Up]]. In 1996, the franchise came under the control of [[PLDT Communication and Energy Ventures|Pilipino Telephone Corporation]] (Piltel) and played under the name Mobiline. In 2001, the franchise was renamed [[TNT (cellular service)|Talk 'N Text]] after the operations of Piltel was absorbed by [[Smart Communications]].

Under the [[MVP Group]] umbrella, TNT has two sister teams in the [[Meralco Bolts]] and [[NLEX Road Warriors]]. To date, the franchise has won eleven championships and one special conference championship ([[1998 PBA Centennial Cup]]). In 2013, they won their third straight [[PBA Philippine Cup|Philippine Cup]] title, and in doing so, became the first of two teams to have permanent possession of the [[Jun Bernardino Trophy]], the other being the [[San Miguel Beermen]] in 2017.<ref name="TNT2013-spin">[http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/all-filipino-hat-trick-in-the-bag-as-talk-n-text-completes-finals-sweep All-Filipino hat-trick in the bag as Talk 'N Text completes Finals sweep] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121163901/http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/all-filipino-hat-trick-in-the-bag-as-talk-n-text-completes-finals-sweep |date=January 21, 2015 }}, Richard Dy, Spin.PH, January 16, 2013</ref><ref>[http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/talk-n-text-sweeps-rain-or-shine-to-win-historic-third-straight-philippine-cup Talk ‘N Text sweeps Rain or Shine to win historic third straight Philippine Cup] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119000710/http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/talk-n-text-sweeps-rain-or-shine-to-win-historic-third-straight-philippine-cup |date=January 19, 2013 }}, InterAKTV, January 16, 2013</ref>

== History ==

=== 1990–1996: The Pepsi / 7-Up era === [[Pepsi Philippines|Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.]] joined the PBA in 1990 as the Pepsi Hotshots, alongside rival Pop Cola. Led by coach Ed Ocampo, the team won its inaugural game with import Derek Hamilton scoring 77 points, but subsequently suffered a 15-game losing streak. Derrick Pumaren replaced Ocampo mid-season, though the team finished the year without a win in the third conference.

In 1991, Pepsi acquired Manny Victorino and famously offered a P25 million contract to [[Alvin Patrimonio]], which [[Purefoods Star Hotshots|Purefoods]] matched. Despite this, the team reached the semifinals of the third conference, finishing fourth. In 1992, the team traded for Eugene Quilban, who set a PBA record with 28 assists in a single game. Following the [[Pepsi Number Fever|Pepsi "349" controversy]], the team was rebranded as the [[7 Up]] Uncolas.<ref>{{cite web |title=SC decides in finality on 'Pepsi 349' case |url=http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/344000/sc-decides-finality-pepsi-349-case |access-date=July 30, 2016 |publisher=[[The Philippine Star]] |archive-date=July 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731034004/http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/344000/sc-decides-finality-pepsi-349-case |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 26, 1993 |title=COLUMN ONE: Bottle Cap Flap Riles The Masses: After a Pepsi promotion went awry, thousands of Filipinos mistakenly thought they were in the money. Now the firm is trying to cool off protests that have united rebels, generals and matrons |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-07-26-mn-17084-story.html |access-date=April 23, 2019 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref>

The '''7 Up Uncolas''' achieved their best finish as runners-up in the 1992 Reinforced Conference, where they were swept in the finals by the [[Pop Cola Panthers|Swift Mighty Meaties]].<ref>{{cite web |title=mypba.com - mypba Resources and Information. |url=http://mypba.com/forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=776&view=findpost&p=44535 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165407/http://mypba.com/forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=776&view=findpost&p=44535 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref> In 1993, the team reverted to Pepsi as the Pepsi Mega Bottlers and drafted Victor Pablo, finishing fourth in the Governors' Cup.

In 1994, Pepsi and Sunkist performed a rare coaching trade, sending Pumaren to RFM for [[Yeng Guiao]]. Under Guiao, the team placed third in the 1994 Governors' Cup with import Ronnie Coleman. By 1995, despite attempts to sign [[Jun Limpot]] to a P28.8 million contract and acquiring veterans Alvin Teng and Dindo Pumaren, the franchise struggled to find consistent success, eventually leading to its transition to the Mobiline era.

=== 1996–2001: The Mobiline era ===

==== 1996–1998: The telecom transition ==== Before the [[1996 PBA season]], the franchise faced potential disbandment due to shifting marketing priorities at Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. A proposed sale to Duty Free Philippines was rejected by the Board of Governors on January 5, 1996.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Asensi |first=Francis |date=January 5, 1996 |title=Mega Bottlers for sale |journal=Sports Weekly Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Asensi |first=Francis |date=January 19, 1996 |title=Change of heart by the Bottlers |journal=Sports Weekly Magazine}}</ref> Following a last-place finish in the All-Filipino Cup, ownership was transferred to Lapanday Holdings Corporation. The team was subsequently rebranded as the '''Mobiline Cellulars''' through a partnership with [[Pilipino Telephone Corporation]] (Piltel).<ref>{{cite journal |date=May 10, 1996 |title=Pepsi signs off |journal=Sports Weekly Magazine}}</ref>

In 1997, Mobiline acquired the first overall pick and drafted [[Andy Seigle]]. The team also signed Tony Boy Espinosa and [[Patrick Fran]], hired coach Norman Black, and acquired 1995 Rookie of the Year [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] from [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska]] via a record offer sheet. The Cellulars reached the semifinals of the All-Filipino Conference but struggled in the Commissioner's Cup with import Isaiah Morris. For the Governors' Cup, the team hired head coach Derrick Pumaren and consultant Tommy Manotoc, parading import Artemus McClary. Despite an improved performance, they failed to reach the semifinals. Midway through the 1997 season, the team would change its moniker again, this time to '''Mobiline Phone Pals'''.

Under [[Tommy Manotoc]], the team struggled with consistency during the [[1998 PBA All-Filipino Cup|1998 All-Filipino Cup]], finishing 7th with a 4–7 record. Despite a standout 27-point performance by Al Solis in a victory over San Miguel on March 8, the team was eliminated before the playoffs. This led to the hiring of Altamirano for the succeeding conferences. Mobiline then appointed [[Eric Altamirano]] as their head coach for the following [[1998 PBA Commissioner's Cup|Commissioner's Cup]], the team replaced Alex Fraser with 6'8" powerhouse Terquin Mott, who scored 50 points in his debut on May 29. Mobiline finished the eliminations as the 6th seed (5–6) but was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the [[San Miguel Beermen]], 89–95. For the [[1998 PBA Centennial Cup|Centennial Cup]], Mobiline recruited imports [[Silas Mills]] and Artemus "Tee" McClary, finishing the eliminations with a 5–3 record to secure the 2nd seed. On October 4, 1998, the Phone Pals defeated [[Pop Cola 800s]], 74–71, in a knockout semifinal to reach their first championship round. In the one-game final on October 6, Mobiline defeated the [[Formula Shell Zoom Masters]], 67–66, in overtime to capture the first championship in franchise history.<ref name="CentennialFinal">{{cite news |date=October 7, 1998 |title=Mobiline captures Centennial Cup |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/1998/10/07/91632/mobiline-captures-centennial-cup |work=Philstar.com}}</ref> For the season-ending [[1998 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors' Cup]], the Mobiline Phone Pals retained the championship-winning import duo of [[Silas Mills]] and Artemus McClary. Coming off their Centennial Cup victory, the team sustained their momentum, finishing the elimination round with a 9–6 record to secure the 3rd seed. In the quarterfinals, Mobiline faced the 6th-seeded [[Purefoods Star Hotshots|Purefoods TJ Hotdogs]]. The Phone Pals utilized their twice-to-beat advantage, defeating Purefoods 88–77 on November 13, 1998, to advance to their first-ever major best-of-seven semifinal series. The Semifinals vs. [[Formula Shell Zoom Masters]], In a rematch of the Centennial Cup Finals, the two teams engaged in a grueling series. The Phone Pals fell behind 1–3 but rallied to win two straight games to force a deciding Game 7. However, on December 1, 1998, Mobiline lost the final game, 74–87, missing out on a Governors' Cup Finals berth. They settled for fourth place after losing the third-place playoff to [[San Miguel Beermen|San Miguel]]. Despite the exit, Silas Mills was honored as the [[PBA Best Import of the Conference award|Best Import of the Conference]].<ref name="MillsBI">{{cite news |date=December 7, 1998 |title=Mills named Best Import |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/1998/12/07/91802/mills-named-best-import |work=Philstar.com}}</ref>

==== 1999–2001: Asi Taulava's arrival ==== Ahead the [[1999 PBA season|1999 season]], franchise signed Fil-Tongan center [[Asi Taulava]] as a direct hire. In his debut on February 7, 1999, Taulava recorded 32 points and 20 rebounds in a 90–64 win over the [[Tanduay Rhum Masters]]. Led by Taulava and [[Jeffrey Cariaso]], Mobiline won the first seven games of the [[1999 PBA All-Filipino Cup|1999 All-Filipino Cup]] and secured the top seed in the [[1999 PBA All-Filipino Cup|All-Filipino Cup]] with an 11–5 record. In the quarterfinals, the #1 seeded Phone Pals held a twice-to-beat advantage against the #8 [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Barangay Ginebra Kings]]. After losing the first game, Mobiline was eliminated in Game 2 on May 12, 1999, when Ginebra's [[Bal David]] hit a game-winning jumper at the buzzer for an 81–82 result.<ref name="TBTAsiBal">{{cite news |date=May 18, 2020 |title=Asi Taulava on Bal David heartbreaker: 'It made me the man I am today' |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/asi-taulava-on-bal-david-heartbreaker-it-made-me-the-man-i-am-today/184550 |access-date=2026-02-05 |work=Tiebreaker Times |archive-date=September 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925163546/https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/asi-taulava-on-bal-david-heartbreaker-it-made-me-the-man-i-am-today/184550 |url-status=live }}</ref> This marked the first time in PBA history a #1 seed was eliminated by a #8 seed. The team then brought back [[Silas Mills]] for the [[1999 PBA Commissioner's Cup|Commissioner's Cup]], but the team finished the eliminations at 3–5. They were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Milkmen]]. During the midseason, the team traded [[Andy Seigle]] to [[Purefoods Star Hotshots|Purefoods]] for veteran [[Jerry Codiñera]]. With import Larry Robinson, Mobiline finished as the 7th seed in the [[1999 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors' Cup]]. In the quarterfinals, they forced a do-or-die game against the 2nd-seeded Tanduay Rhum Masters by winning Game 1, 93–78, but ultimately lost the deciding Game 2, 75–84.

In the [[2000 PBA All-Filipino Cup|2000 All-Filipino Cup]], Mobiline finished the elimination round as the 7th seed (5–9) and was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the [[San Miguel Beermen]]. Following the exit, head coach [[Eric Altamirano]] was replaced by [[Louie Alas]]. The conference was further impacted by the deportation of [[Asi Taulava]] amid a Department of Justice investigation into "Fil-Shams."<ref name="Philstar2000">{{cite news |date=April 29, 2000 |title=Asi a 'Fil-Sham': BI dumps Tongan's appeal |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2000/04/29/108567/asi-fil-sham |work=Philstar.com |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311080530/https://www.philstar.com/sports/2000/04/29/108567/asi-fil-sham |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="InquirerAsi">{{cite news |last=Giongco |first=Mark |date=July 22, 2020 |title=Asi Taulava happy to have put 'Fil-Sham' issue behind him |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/399190/asi-taulava-happy-to-have-put-fil-sham-issue-behind-him |access-date=February 5, 2026 |work=Inquirer Sports |archive-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303054116/https://sports.inquirer.net/399190/asi-taulava-happy-to-have-put-fil-sham-issue-behind-him |url-status=live }}</ref> To bolster the roster, the team acquired [[Victor Pablo]] in a three-team trade involving Jeffrey Cariaso and Mark Telan. Under Coach Alas, the Phone Pals finished the eliminations of the [[2000 PBA Commissioner's Cup|Commissioner's Cup]] with a 4–5 record. The team initially paraded Carlos Strong before replacing him with [[Milton Henderson|J.R. Henderson]] for the postseason. Seeded 6th, Mobiline faced a "twice-to-win" disadvantage in the quarterfinals against the [[Tanduay Rhum Masters]]. On August 20, 2000, Tanduay defeated Mobiline 77–66, ending the Phone Pals' campaign. Mobiline then signed Todd Bernard as the team's import for the [[2000 PBA Governors' Cup|2000 Governors' Cup]], where he would lead the team in topping the elimination round with a 7–2 record. They defeated [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Barangay Ginebra]] in the quarterfinals to reach the semifinals for the first time in franchise history. Their run ended in the semifinals with a 3–1 series loss to the [[Purefoods Star Hotshots|Purefoods TJ Hotdogs]].

The [[2001 PBA season|2001 season]] was a landmark year as the franchise transitioned from the Mobiline Phone Pals to the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals during the Governors' Cup, following [[Smart Communications]]' absorption of Pilipino Telephone Corporation. During the off-season, Mobiline attempted to sign free agent [[Kenneth Duremdes]], but the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]] matched the offer sheet to retain him. The team drafted Gilbert Demape and Norman Gonzales, and re-signed defensive specialist [[Patrick Fran]], who later earned a spot on the PBA All-Defensive Team.<ref name="Villar">{{cite news |last=Villar |first=Joey |date=February 3, 2001 |title=Chargers turn back Phone Pals |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2001/02/03/109527/chargers-turn-back-phone-pals |work=Philstar.com}}</ref> [[Asi Taulava]] was cleared to return on June 22, 2001, after being sidelined by citizenship investigations.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 11, 2001 |title=Taulava playing with ABA in US |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2001/02/11/109601/taulava-playing-aba-us |work=Philstar.com |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |access-date=February 1, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128173648/https://www.philstar.com/sports/2001/02/11/109601/taulava-playing-aba-us |url-status=live }}</ref> Entering the [[2001 PBA All-Filipino Cup|2001 All-Filipino Cup]] playoffs as the 8th seed (6–8), Mobiline faced the top-seeded [[Shell Turbo Chargers]]. Despite forcing a do-or-die game with a 76–72 upset in Game 1, Mobiline lost the deciding Game 2, 80–69, ending their quarterfinal run.<ref name="Villar"/> The team for the [[2001 PBA Commissioner's Cup|Commissioner's Cup]] featured import Jerod Ward, who scored 61 points in his debut. Although Taulava returned to the lineup following DOJ approval, the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the [[San Miguel Beermen]].<ref>{{cite news |date=September 26, 2020 |title=TNT changes moniker to Tropang Giga |url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/9/26/tnt-changes-moniker-to-tropang-giga |work=Manila Bulletin}}</ref>

=== 2001–2002: The start of the Talk 'N Text era ===

During the [[2001 PBA Governors' Cup]], the franchise was renamed the '''[[Talk 'N Text]] Phone Pals''' after [[Smart Communications]] absorbed the operations of Pilipino Telephone Corporation. Under the new moniker, the team finished the elimination round as the 5th seed with a 7–6 record, led by import Brandon Williams. In the quarterfinals, the Phone Pals faced the 4th-seeded [[San Miguel Beermen]], who held a twice-to-beat advantage. On November 16, 2001, San Miguel defeated Talk 'N Text, 77–63, resulting in the team's elimination from the tournament.<ref>{{cite news |last=Villar |first=Joey |date=September 17, 2001 |title=Talk N Text, San Miguel join Sta. Lucia on top |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2001/09/17/133976/talk-n-text-san-miguel-join-sta-lucia-top |work=Philstar.com}}</ref>

For the [[2002 PBA season]], the team initially hired former UNLV coach [[Bill Bayno]] to replace [[Louie Alas]], but his tenure was hindered by legal challenges regarding foreign coaches.<ref name="PhilstarBayno02">{{cite news |last=Villar |first=Joey |date=February 16, 2002 |title=Bayno gets GAB, BI papers; Pals vs Hotdogs |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2002/02/16/150792/bayno-gets-gab-bi-papers-pals-vs-hotdogs/ |access-date=February 1, 2026 |work=Philstar.com}}</ref> [[Frankie Lim]] and [[Paul Woolpert]] served as bench tacticians during the season.<ref name="ManilaStandard02">{{cite news |date=October 23, 2002 |title=Woolpert takes over Phone Pals |work=Manila Standard}}</ref> The roster moved toward a younger core, trading veteran [[Jerry Codiñera]] and acquiring [[Mark Telan]], [[Alex Crisano]], and Elmer Lago.<ref name="PhilstarTelan">{{cite news |date=January 24, 2002 |title=Telan signs 4-year pact with Phone Pals |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2002/01/24/148154/telan-signs-4-year-pact-with-phone-pals |work=Philstar.com}}</ref><ref name="PhilstarCrisano02">{{cite news |date=January 11, 2002 |title=Crisano, Lago sign with Phone Pals |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2002/01/11/146681/crisano-lago-sign-with-phone-pals |work=Philstar.com}}</ref> [[Asi Taulava]] and Patrick Fran missed much of the year due to national team duties.<ref name="PhilstarAsi02">{{cite news |last=Villar |first=Joey |date=October 16, 2002 |title=Taulava, Fran to rejoin Phone Pals |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2002/10/16/180123/taulava-fran-rejoin-phone-pals |work=Philstar.com}}</ref> Despite Taulava's absence, the Phone Pals secured the #1 seed of the [[2002 PBA Governors' Cup|2002 Governors' Cup]] with a 9–2 record behind imports [[Richie Frahm]] and [[Jerald Honeycutt]]. However, they were upset in the quarterfinals by the 8th-seeded [[San Miguel Beermen]], who overcame TNT's twice-to-beat advantage.<ref name="PhilstarSMB02">{{cite news |last=Villar |first=Joey |date=April 8, 2002 |title=Beermen bounce back, stun Phone Pals |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2002/04/08/156491/beermen-bounce-back-stun-phone-pals |work=Philstar.com}}</ref> In the [[2002 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2002 Commissioner's Cup]] Phone Pals reached their first Finals in franchise history led by Honeycutt and [[Pete Mickeal]]. In a best-of-seven series against [[Red Bull Barako|Red Bull Thunder]], Talk 'N Text held a 3–2 lead but eventually lost the series in seven games.<ref name="ArabNewsFinals02">{{cite news |last=Cruz |first=Agnes |date=September 22, 2002 |title=Red Bull Thunder Capture Commissioner's Cup |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/224216 |work=Arab News}}</ref> Following Bayno's departure, Paul Woolpert took over as head coach for the [[2002 PBA All-Filipino Cup|All-Filipino Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=April 26, 2020 |title=Bill Bayno looks back on clashes with Filipino coaches: 'Lot of 'em kicked my ass' |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/bill-bayno-looks-back-on-clashes-with-filipino-coaches-lot-of-em-kicked-my-ass/183792 |work=Tiebreaker Times |archive-date=June 18, 2020 |access-date=February 1, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618122808/https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/bill-bayno-looks-back-on-clashes-with-filipino-coaches-lot-of-em-kicked-my-ass/183792 |url-status=live }}</ref> Though Taulava returned, the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]].<ref name="PhilstarWoolpert02">{{cite news |last=Cordero |first=Abac |date=November 27, 2002 |title=Woolpert: No beef over refs |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2002/11/27/185598/woolpert-no-beef-over-refs |work=Philstar.com}}</ref>

=== 2003–2015: The Jimmy Alapag era ===

==== 2003–2008: Title aspirations and Asi Taulava's later years ==== The [[2003 PBA season]] served as a historic turning point for the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals, resulting in the franchise's first PBA championship and a sweep of major individual honors. The team underwent a strategic reconstruction, eventually elevating [[Joel Banal]] to head coach to replace [[Paul Woolpert]]. Banal implemented a system focused on disciplined guard play and frontcourt dominance. In the draft, TNT secured [[Harvey Carey]] (4th overall) and [[Jimmy Alapag]] (10th overall). Alapag, whose draft stock had fallen due to injury, quickly established himself as the team's primary floor general.<ref name="InquirerAlapag">{{cite news |date=August 14, 2011 |title=Talk N' Text ace Alapag bags PBA MVP award |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/11819/talk-n-text-ace-alapag-bags-pba-mvp-award |work=Inquirer Sports}}</ref> In the [[2003 PBA All-Filipino Cup|2003 All-Filipino Cup]], Talk 'N Text finished the eliminations with a 10–8 record and advanced to the Finals after defeating the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]] in a five-game semifinal series. Facing the defending champion [[Coca-Cola Tigers]], the Phone Pals overcame an 0–2 series deficit by winning four consecutive games. On July 13, 2003, they secured a 78–76 victory in Game 6 to claim the franchise's first PBA title. [[Asi Taulava]] recorded 25 points in the clincher.<ref name="Philstar03F">{{cite news |last=Villar |first=Joey |date=July 14, 2003 |title=Talk 'N Text captures first PBA title |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2003/07/14/213601/phone-pals-clinch-first-title |work=Philstar.com}}</ref> During an [[2003 PBA Invitational Cup|Invitational Cup]] game against [[Red Bull Barako|Batang Red Bull Thunder]] on August 13, 2003, the team became embroiled in controversy when acting coach Ariel Vanguardia instructed players to score on their own basket to force overtime, seeking a higher quotient for qualification. The PBA fined the team P250,000 and suspended Vanguardia for five games for "making a mockery of the game."<ref name="SpinOwn">{{cite news |last=Terrado |first=Reuben |date=April 15, 2020 |title=Throwback: When TNT tried to score on its own basket |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/tnt-own-basket-controversy-2003 |work=[[Spin.ph]]}}</ref> Led by import [[Damian Cantrell]], the team reached the semifinals of the [[2003 PBA Reinforced Conference|Reinforced Conference]] but was swept by Coca-Cola. They finished in third place after defeating the [[Sta. Lucia Realtors]], 123–106, concluding the season with a franchise-record 32 total wins.<ref name="Philstar03end">{{cite news |last=Villar |first=Joey |date=December 1, 2003 |title=Phone Pals end winningest season |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2003/12/01/229881/phone-pals-end-winningest-season |work=Philstar.com}}</ref> At the end of the year, Asi Taulava was named the [[PBA Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]], while [[Jimmy Alapag]] earned [[PBA Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]] honors.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 26, 2003 |title=MVP Asi Taulava Rides High in the PBA |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/242162 |work=ArabNews.com}}</ref><ref name="GMANewsAlapag">{{cite news |date=January 9, 2015 |title=Jimmy Alapag announces retirement from PBA |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/401307/jimmy-alapag-announces-retirement-from-pba/story/ |work=GMA News Online}}</ref>

The season marked the league's transition to a two-conference format. Under head coach [[Joel Banal]], the Phone Pals built a "super-team" around their 2003 championship core of [[Jimmy Alapag]], [[Asi Taulava]], and [[Harvey Carey]]. On January 9, 2004, the team acquired [[Willie Miller (basketball player)|Willie Miller]] from [[Red Bull Barako|Red Bull Thunder]] in exchange for two players and a 2005 first-round pick.<ref name="ArabNewsMiller">{{cite news |last=Cruz |first=Agnes |date=January 9, 2004 |title=Red Bull Send Miller to Talk 'N' Text |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/242761 |access-date=January 31, 2026 |work=Arab News |archive-date=November 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129003755/http://arabnews.com/node/242761 |url-status=live }}</ref> Miller subsequently signed an P11.4 million contract.<ref name="PhilstarMillerSign">{{cite news |date=January 13, 2004 |title=Miller signs up for 3-year P11.4-M pact |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2004/01/13/234953/miller-signs-3-year-p114-m-pact |work=Philstar.com}}</ref> The roster was further bolstered by the acquisition of [[Yancy de Ocampo]] from [[Barako Bull Energy|FedEx Express]], alongside rookie [[Allan Salangsang]] and veteran Don Camaso.<ref name="PhilstarYancy">{{cite news |date=December 4, 2004 |title=Yancy gives TNT explosive roster |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2004/12/04/213601/yancy-gives-tnt-explosive-roster |work=Philstar.com}}</ref> The season was also overshadowed by a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the citizenship documents of several Filipino-foreign players. Consequently, the PBA placed [[Asi Taulava]] under indefinite suspension, forcing the team to play the majority of the Philippine Cup classification round without him.<ref name="PhilstarAsi05">{{cite news |last=Quinito |first=Henson |date=January 30, 2005 |title=Asi, don't do it |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2005/01/30/267990/asi-don146t-do-it |work=Philstar.com}}</ref>

For the [[2004–05 PBA Philippine Cup]], [[Asi Taulava]] was suspended indefinitely due to citizenship documentation issues. Despite his absence, Talk 'N Text finished the classification round with a 12–6 record and swept the [[Shell Turbo Chargers]], 3–0, in the semifinals. In Game 1 of the Finals against [[Barangay Ginebra Kings]], the team fielded Taulava after securing a court injunction. Although the Phone Pals won the game, Commissioner [[Noli Eala]] upheld a protest by Ginebra, resulting in a forfeit—the only time a PBA Finals game result has been reversed. Talk 'N Text eventually lost the series, 2–4.<ref name="PhilstarGinebraPC">{{cite news |last=Villar |first=Joey |date=February 12, 2005 |title=Kings get their crown |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2005/02/12/267001/kings-get-their-crown |work=Philstar.com}}</ref> Led by import [[Jerald Honeycutt]], the Phone Pals finished as the #1 seed in the [[2005 PBA Fiesta Conference|2005 Fiesta Conference]] (12–6). They reached their second straight Finals by defeating Shell, 3–1, in the semifinals. Facing the [[San Miguel Beermen]] in the Finals, the league officially cleared Taulava to play. However, Talk 'N Text lost the series, 1–4. Despite the defeat, they became the first team under the new format to reach the Finals in both conferences of a single season, and [[Willie Miller (basketball player)|Willie Miller]] was named Best Player of the Conference.<ref name="GMANewsMiller">{{cite news |date=July 3, 2005 |title=Willie Miller named Best Player of the Conference |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/content/24734/willie-miller-named-best-player/story/ |work=GMA News Online}}</ref>

The [[2005–06 PBA season]] was marked by significant roster turnover, high-profile rookie acquisitions, and a coaching transition from [[Joel Banal]] to [[Derrick Pumaren]]. In the [[2005–06 PBA Fiesta Conference]], Talk 'N Text finished the eliminations with a 9–7 record. After winning a seeding playoff against [[Barako Bull Energy|Air21 Express]], they secured a direct quarterfinals berth. In the quarterfinals, the Phone Pals replaced import Damien Cantrell with NBA champion [[Darvin Ham]] for Game 3. However, they were ultimately eliminated by Air21 in a deciding Game 5, losing 110–117 in overtime. Following the Fiesta Conference, Joel Banal resigned and was replaced by Derrick Pumaren. Ahead of the [[2006 PBA Philippine Cup|2006 Philippine Cup]] team bolstered its roster by acquiring rookies [[Mark Cardona]] and [[Jay Washington]]. On May 8, a series of blockbuster trades brought in [[Ren-Ren Ritualo]] from Air21 and [[Don Allado]] from [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska]], in exchange for [[Willie Miller (basketball player)|Willie Miller]], Leo Avenido, and [[John Ferriols]]. Despite the star-studded lineup, the team struggled with chemistry, finishing the classification round with a 6–10 record. In the wildcard phase, the Phone Pals failed to win a single game, losing to [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Ginebra]], Air21, and [[Sta. Lucia Realtors]], resulting in their elimination from the tournament.

Prior to the [[2006–07 PBA season]], the team released Poch Juinio and opted not to renew the contracts of [[Vergel Meneses]] and Chris Cantonjos. The Phone Pals participated in the 2006 [[NBA]] Summer Pro League and selected Mark Andaya as their lone pick in the [[2006 PBA Draft]]. The campaign served as a turning point for the franchise, with [[Mark Cardona]] emerging as a dominant force. Talk 'N Text finished the elimination round of the [[2006–07 PBA Philippine Cup]] with a 10–8 record. In the quarterfinals, they dethroned defending champion [[Purefoods Star Hotshots|Purefoods]], 3–1. They advanced to the semifinals to face [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Barangay Ginebra]], taking an early 2–1 series lead. However, the Kings rallied to win the series 4–2. The Phone Pals ultimately finished in third place after defeating [[Barako Bull Energy Boosters|Red Bull Barako]]. In the [[2007 PBA Fiesta Conference]], the Phone Pals reached the Finals despite the absence of [[Asi Taulava]], [[Jimmy Alapag]], and [[Renren Ritualo]], who were loaned to the national team. To get there, they overcame the [[Barako Bull Energy|Air21 Express]] in the quarterfinals and upset the top-seeded [[Barako Bull Energy Boosters|Red Bull Barako]]. In the Finals against the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]], the series reached a deciding seventh game. Despite strong performances from Best Player of the Conference [[Mark Cardona]], the Aces, led by [[Willie Miller (basketball player)|Willie Miller]], won Game 7. A critical late-game steal by Miller off Cardona sealed the victory, resulting in Talk 'N Text's third consecutive Finals defeat.

Despite a star-studded lineup following the 2007 Fiesta Conference, the franchise decided to move in a different direction due to the declining offensive production of [[Asi Taulava]]. On November 26, 2007, Taulava was traded to the [[Coca-Cola Tigers]] in exchange for Ali Peek and a 2008 first-round draft pick, marking the end of his era with the team. In a pivotal final elimination game, Taulava and the Tigers defeated the Phone Pals to deny them a direct quarterfinal berth. The two teams subsequently met in the first wildcard round, where the Tigers eliminated the 6th-seeded Talk 'N Text. Following the early exit, rumors surfaced regarding the potential dismissal of head coach Derrick Pumaren. However, team management opted to defer any coaching changes until after the [[2008 PBA Fiesta Conference]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20070709212017/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=106348 Talk N Text revamp up; Pumaren on way out?] by Nelson Beltran. [[The Philippine Star]] via ABS-CBN News.com</ref>

On January 28, 2008, former [[San Miguel Beermen]] head coach [[Chot Reyes]] was appointed to lead the franchise, replacing Derrick Pumaren.<ref>{{cite web |title=Philippine Basketball Association – Official Website of the Philippine Basketball Association |url=http://www.pba.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1969&Itemid=1 |access-date=July 30, 2016 |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215121227/http://www.pba.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1969&Itemid=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 2008–2010: The start of the Alapag–Castro–RDO trio ====

Rebranding as the '''Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters''', the team bolstered its roster by drafting [[Jared Dillinger]], [[Jayson Castro]], and [[Robert Reyes]]. Led by [[Mark Cardona]], the Texters finished the eliminations of the [[2008–09 PBA Philippine Cup|2008–09 Philippine Cup]] in second place with an 11–7 record. They advanced to the Finals after defeating the San Miguel Beermen in six games. In the Finals, Talk 'N Text defeated the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]] in a seven-game series to claim the championship, with key contributions from Cardona, [[Jimmy Alapag]], and [[Ranidel de Ocampo]]. In the following [[2009 PBA Fiesta Conference|2009 Fiesta Conference]], the team finished the elimination round with a 9–9 record. After defeating [[Purefoods Star Hotshots|Purefoods]] in the first wildcard phase, the Phone Pals were eliminated in the second wildcard round by the [[Sta. Lucia Realtors]], failing to qualify for the quarterfinals.

The Tropang Texters overhauled their roster during the off-season, acquiring top rookie [[Japeth Aguilar]] from the [[Burger King Whoppers]] in exchange for four future first-round picks (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014) and cash. Aguilar was subsequently loaned to the Smart Gilas national program. Talk 'N Text failed to defend their title in the [[2009–10 PBA Philippine Cup|2009–10 Philippine Cup]] after a controversial quarterfinal series against [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Barangay Ginebra]]. In Game 4, the Texters staged a walkout to protest officiating, resulting in a forfeiture and a fine. They ultimately lost the series in a deciding Game 5. The team would then execute a mid-conference blockbuster trade, sending Ali Peek, Nic Belasco, and Pong Escobal to the [[Sta. Lucia Realtors]] for [[Kelly Williams]], [[Ryan Reyes]], and Charles Waters. In the [[2010 PBA Fiesta Conference|2010 Fiesta Conference]]. The Texters finished the elimination round in first place with a 15–3 record. However, they were eliminated in the semifinals by the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]] in a seven-game series.

==== 2010–2013: The Philippine Cup three-peat ====

The early 2010s were defined by the dominance of the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, who nearly achieved a [[Grand Slam (PBA)|Grand Slam]] during the [[2010–11 PBA season]]. The team secured titles in the [[2010–11 PBA Philippine Cup]] and the [[2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup]], but ultimately finished as the runner-up in the Governors' Cup.

TNT captured the [[2010–11 PBA Philippine Cup|2010–11 Philippine Cup]] championship on February 4, 2011, defeating the [[San Miguel Beermen]] in Game 6, 95–82. [[Jayson Castro]] and [[Jimmy Alapag]] were named co-Finals MVPs for their performances throughout the series. They then continued the momentum by winning the [[2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2011 Commissioner's Cup]] championship on May 8, 2011, defeating the [[Barangay Ginebra Kings]] in a best-of-seven series. The title was secured via a 99–96 overtime victory in Game 6. Jayson Castro and Jimmy Alapag were jointly named Finals MVP. This marked the franchise's fourth championship and the third under head coach [[Chot Reyes]]. Aiming for a rare [[Grand Slam (PBA)|Grand Slam]], TNT topped the elimination round of the [[2011 PBA Governors' Cup|2011 Governors' Cup]] with a 6–2 record and secured a Finals berth after the semifinal round. They faced the [[Petron Blaze Boosters]] in a seven-game series. After trailing 3–2, the Texters forced a Game 7 but ultimately fell to Petron, 85–73, ending their Grand Slam bid.

During the [[2011–12 PBA season]], the Tropang Texters continued their dominance in the All-Filipino conference. Under head coach [[Chot Reyes]], the team maintained a deep, balanced roster as they pursued further championships and established a modern-day dynasty in the league. Talk 'N Text finished the elimination round of the [[2011–12 PBA Philippine Cup]] with a 10–4 record, securing the #2 seed. In the quarterfinals, they utilized their twice-to-beat advantage to eliminate [[Barako Bull Energy]]. Following a seven-game semifinal series victory over the [[Petron Blaze Boosters]], the Texters defeated the [[Powerade Tigers]], 4–1, in the Finals. This made them the first team in 27 years to retain the All-Filipino crown.<ref name="G5_AKTV">{{cite news |date=January 29, 2012 |title=Mighty Talk 'N Text defeats gallant Powerade to retain Philippine Cup |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/mighty-talk-n-text-defeats-gallant-powerade-to-retain-philippine-cup |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718002443/http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/mighty-talk-n-text-defeats-gallant-powerade-to-retain-philippine-cup |archive-date=July 18, 2012 |access-date=January 30, 2012 |work=InterAKTV}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=January 29, 2012 |title=TALK 'N TEXT KEEPS PHILIPPINE CUP CROWN |url=http://www.pba.ph/news/entry/1378 |access-date=January 30, 2012 |work=PBA.ph |archive-date=January 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130234357/http://www.pba.ph/news/entry/1378 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Larry Fonacier]] was named [[PBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|Finals MVP]]. Led by import [[Donnell Harvey]], TNT finished the eliminations of the [[2012 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2012 Commissioner's Cup]] as the #1 seed (7–2) and advanced to the Finals after defeating Barako Bull in the semifinals. In a seven-game series against the [[B-Meg Llamados]], the Texters lost the deciding Game 7 in overtime, 84–90. In the following [[2012 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors' Cup]], with the return of import [[Paul Harris (basketball)|Paul Harris]], the team finished the eliminations at 5–4. However, after struggling in the semifinal round-robin, the Texters finished 4th and missed the Finals.

During the [[2012–13 PBA season]], the franchise became the first in 30 years to win the Philippine Cup for three consecutive seasons. This season also marked a coaching transition, as [[Norman Black]] replaced [[Chot Reyes]], who departed to coach the national team. In the [[2012–13 PBA Philippine Cup]], Talk 'N Text finished the elimination round with a league-best 12–2 record, securing the top seed. In the playoffs, they eliminated the Air21 Express in the quarterfinals and defeated the Alaska Aces, 4–2, in the semifinals. The Texters achieved a historic milestone by sweeping the [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters]], 4–0, in the Finals to win their third consecutive Philippine Cup. This feat granted the franchise permanent possession of the [[Jun Bernardino Trophy]], making them the first to do so in league history.<ref name="TNTSweepGMA">{{cite news |date=January 16, 2013 |title=Talk 'N Text claims back-to-back-to-back Philippine Cup titles |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/290611/pba-de-ocampo-named-philippine-cup-finals-mvp/story/ |access-date=February 5, 2026 |work=GMA News Online}}</ref><ref name="TNT2013-spin"/><ref>[http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/talk-n-text-sweeps-rain-or-shine-to-win-historic-third-straight-philippine-cup Talk ‘N Text sweeps Rain or Shine to win historic third straight Philippine Cup] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119000710/http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/talk-n-text-sweeps-rain-or-shine-to-win-historic-third-straight-philippine-cup |date=January 19, 2013 }}, ''InterAKTV'', January 16, 2013</ref> [[Ranidel de Ocampo]] was named [[PBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|Finals MVP]], while [[Jayson Castro]] earned the [[PBA Best Player of the Conference Award|Best Player of the Conference]] award.<ref name="BernardinoTrophy">{{cite news |date=January 17, 2013 |title=Ranidel de Ocampo wins PBA Philippine Cup finals MVP |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/82301/ranidel-de-ocampo-wins-pba-philippine-cup-finals-mvp |access-date=February 5, 2026 |work=Inquirer Sports}}</ref>

==== 2013–2015: Jimmy Alapag's later years and departure ==== Reinforced by imports [[Jerome Jordan]] and later [[Tony Mitchell (basketball, born 1989)|Tony Mitchell]], the Texters finished the eliminations of the [[2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2013 Commissioner's Cup]] with a 7–7 record. In the semifinals, they faced [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel]]. Despite Mitchell scoring 45 points in Game 4 to force a decider, the Texters lost the series, 2–3, after a 101–111 defeat in Game 5.<ref name="GinebraTNTSemis">{{cite news |date=May 10, 2013 |title=Ginebra forges game 5 vs Talk N' Text in PBA Commissioner's Cup semis |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/99683/ginebra-forges-game-5-vs-talk-n-text-in-pba-commissioners-cup-semis |access-date=February 5, 2026 |work=Inquirer Sports |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006101923/https://sports.inquirer.net/99683/ginebra-forges-game-5-vs-talk-n-text-in-pba-commissioners-cup-semis |url-status=live }}</ref> Hampered by the exhaustion of core Gilas Pilipinas players following the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, TNT finished the eliminations of the [[2013 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors' Cup]] with a 3–6 record under import [[Courtney Fells]]. The team fell into a tie for the final playoff spot but was eliminated by [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Barangay Ginebra]], 102–110, in a knockout playoff, marking their first missed quarterfinals in years.<ref name="GovsCupGMA">{{cite news |date=September 24, 2013 |title=Tenorio provides 'never say die' edge, lifts Ginebra to quarterfinals over TNT |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/327979/pba-tenorio-provides-never-say-die-edge-lifts-ginebra-to-quarterfinals-over-tnt/story/ |access-date=February 5, 2026 |work=GMA News Online}}</ref>

In the [[2013–14 PBA Philippine Cup|2013–14 Philippine Cup]], the Tropang Texters qualified for the playoffs with an 8–6 record but were eliminated by the [[San Mig Coffee Mixers]] in the quarterfinals. Prior to the postseason, TNT acquired [[Niño Canaleta]] from [[Air21 Express (2012–2014)|Air21]] in exchange for [[Sean Anthony (basketball)|Sean Anthony]], rookie Eliud Poligrates, and a 2016 first-round pick. In the following [[2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2014 Commissioner's Cup]], TNT finished the elimination round undefeated (9–0) and extended their streak to 13–0 after defeating [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel]] in the quarterfinals and sweeping [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters]] in the semifinals. This made them the first team in 34 years to enter the Finals undefeated. Import [[Richard Howell (basketball)|Richard Howell]] recorded a career-high 30 rebounds during the conference. In the Finals, TNT faced the [[San Mig Super Coffee Mixers]], losing the series 3–1. Howell was named [[Bobby Parks PBA Best Import of the Conference Award|Best Import]], while [[Jayson Castro]] earned the [[Philippine Basketball Association Best Player of the Conference Award|Best Player]] award. In the season-ending [[2014 PBA Governors' Cup|2014 Governors' Cup]], the Texters topped the elimination round with a 7–2 record and advanced to the semifinals after defeating [[Barako Bull Energy]] in the quarterfinals. Facing the [[San Mig Super Coffee Mixers]] in a best-of-five series, TNT recovered from a 0–2 deficit to force a Game 5 but ultimately lost the series, 3–2. Despite the exit, import [[Paul Harris (basketball)|Paul Harris]] was lauded for his performance.

On September 18, 2014, the Texters began reloading their roster by acquiring [[Robert Labagala]] from [[Barako Bull Energy]], reuniting him with coach Jong Uichico.<ref>[http://www.spin.ph/basketball/news/robert-labagala-talk-n-text-pba-barako-bull-pba-reserve-guard-2014 Labagala career reboot to Talk 'N Text], Richard Dy, ''InterAKTV'', September 18, 2014</ref> On September 22, the franchise executed a series of multi-team trades to acquire Jay Washington, rookie [[Matthew Rosser|Matt Ganuelas]], and [[Kevin Alas]]. To facilitate these moves, TNT traded [[Nonoy Baclao]] to [[GlobalPort Batang Pier]], [[Harold Arboleda]] to [[NLEX Road Warriors]], and KG Canaleta to NLEX, while also dealing future first and second-round draft picks.<ref>{{cite web |title=TEXTERS BAG J-WASH, GANUELAS |url=http://pba.inquirer.net/49083/texters-bag-j-wash-ganuelas |access-date=April 17, 2017 |work=Inquirer.net |archive-date=July 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704194229/http://pba.inquirer.net/49083/texters-bag-j-wash-ganuelas |url-status=live }}</ref> TNT opened the [[2014–15 PBA Philippine Cup]] on October 19, 2014, with an 81–101 loss to [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel]]. The Texters recovered to finish the elimination round with an 8–3 record, securing a twice-to-beat advantage after defeating the [[San Miguel Beermen]], 107–101, in their final game. In the quarterfinals, TNT advanced by defeating [[Barako Bull Energy]] (105–76) and Barangay Ginebra (83–67) in a knockout match. However, the team was swept 4–0 in the best-of-seven semifinals by the San Miguel Beermen, who capitalized on TNT's lack of a legitimate center.

On January 9, 2015, long-time team captain [[Jimmy Alapag]] officially announced his retirement prior to Game 2 of the Philippine Cup Finals. He immediately transitioned into a new role as the franchise's team manager.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 9, 2015 |title=Jimmy Alapag retires |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/80286-jimmy-alapag-retires/ |website=[[Rappler]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Badua |first=Snow |date=January 9, 2015 |title=Jimmy Alapag retires, takes on new role as Talk 'N Text manager, Gilas assistant coach |url=http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/jimmy-alapag-retires-talk-n-text-pba-gilas |website=[[Spin.ph]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lozada |first=Bong |date=January 9, 2015 |title='For me it's time', Alapag says as he retires |url=http://sports.inquirer.net/171074/for-me-its-time-alapag-says-as-he-retires |website=INQUIRER.net |access-date=January 9, 2015 |archive-date=January 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109134500/http://sports.inquirer.net/171074/for-me-its-time-alapag-says-as-he-retires |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2015–2020: The post-Alapag era ===

==== 2015–2017: Ranidel de Ocampo's later years and a series of rebrands ====

As the new team manager, [[Jimmy Alapag]] brought back [[Richard Howell (basketball)|Richard Howell]] for the [[2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |date=January 13, 2015 |title=Alapag's first move as team manager is bringing back Richard Howell |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/80693-alapag-manager-bring-back-richard-howell/ |website=[[Rappler]] |access-date=January 17, 2015 |archive-date=January 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118081313/http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/pba/80693-alapag-manager-bring-back-richard-howell |url-status=live }}</ref> The team also signed veteran [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]], who returned to the franchise on January 25, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 25, 2015 |title=TALK 'N TEXT SIGNS VETERAN GUARD WILLIE MILLER FOR COMMISSIONER'S CUP CAMPAIGN |url=http://hoops.ph/talk-n-text-signs-veteran-guard-willie-miller-for-commissioners-cup-campaign/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719063105/http://hoops.ph/talk-n-text-signs-veteran-guard-willie-miller-for-commissioners-cup-campaign/ |archive-date=July 19, 2018 |access-date=January 25, 2015 |website=[[InterAksyon.com]]}}</ref> Mid-conference, Howell was replaced by former Atlanta Hawk [[Ivan Johnson (basketball)|Ivan Johnson]].<ref>{{cite news |date=February 18, 2015 |title=Former Atlanta Hawk Ivan Johnson replaces Richard Howell on Talk 'N Text |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/84240-richard-howell-replaced-talk-n-text-import/ |access-date=February 18, 2015 |work=rappler.com |archive-date=February 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218125337/http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/pba/84240-richard-howell-replaced-talk-n-text-import |url-status=live }}</ref> TNT finished the elimination round with an 8–3 record, earning a twice-to-beat advantage. In the playoffs, the Texters eliminated [[Barako Bull Energy]] in the quarterfinals and dethroned the [[Purefoods Star Hotshots]], 3–1, in the semifinals. In the [[2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup finals|Finals]], TNT defeated the [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters]] in a seven-game series, clinching the title with a 121–118 double-overtime victory in Game 7. [[Jayson Castro]] was named Best Player of the Conference, while [[Ranidel de Ocampo]] earned Finals MVP honors. For the final conference of the season, the [[2015 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors' Cup]], TNT signed [[Steffphon Pettigrew]] and Asian import [[Sam Daghles]].<ref>{{cite web |date=April 12, 2015 |title=Talk 'N Text secures Steffphon Pettigrew as Governors' Cup import |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/89670-talk-text-steffphon-pettigrew-import/ |access-date=April 12, 2015 |publisher=rappler.com |archive-date=April 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414044854/http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/pba/89670-talk-text-steffphon-pettigrew-import |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/jordans-sam-daghles-to-suit-up-for-talk-n-text-in-governors-cup-barako-bull-wont-get-asian-import Jordan’s Sam Daghles to suit up for Talk ‘N Text in Governors’ Cup] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422061821/http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/jordans-sam-daghles-to-suit-up-for-talk-n-text-in-governors-cup-barako-bull-wont-get-asian-import |date=April 22, 2015 }}, Rey Joble, ''InterAksyon.com'', June 16, 2015</ref> However, the Texters failed to reach the playoffs, finishing tenth with a 5–6 record.

{{Multiple image | total_width = 200 | align = left | image1 = | image2 = Tropang TNT 2016 logo.png | image3 = | footer = The 2015–16 season saw the team use three different names, one for each conference: TNT Tropang Texters for the Philippine Cup, Tropang TNT (logo shown) for the Commissioner's Cup, and TNT KaTropa for the Governors' Cup. The KaTropa name would end up sticking for the rest of the 2010s. }}

The [[2015–16 PBA season]] was a period of transition for the franchise, marked by a significant infusion of youth and multiple identity changes to align with the rebranding of [[Smart Communications]]. On August 23, 2015, TNT selected [[Moala Tautuaa]] as the 1st overall pick and acquired [[Troy Rosario]] as the 2nd overall pick through a three-team trade.<ref name="TBTDraft">{{cite news |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=August 23, 2015 |title=Tautuaa, Rosario go top two as expected |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tautuaa-rosario-go-top-two-expected-rain-shine-makes-surprise-pick-third/33750 |work=Tiebreaker Times}}</ref> To facilitate this youth movement, the team traded franchise icon [[Jimmy Alapag]] to [[Meralco Bolts|Meralco]] in a three-team deal prior to the draft.<ref name="AlapagTradeInq">{{cite news |last=Leongson |first=Randolph |date=August 7, 2015 |title=Jimmy Alapag back in harness, gets traded to Meralco |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/188938/jimmy-alapag-back-in-harness-gets-traded-to-meralco |work=Inquirer.net}}</ref> In the [[2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup|2015–16 Philippine Cup]], the team officially competed as the '''TNT Tropang Texters'''. They finished the elimination round as the sixth seed with a 6–5 record, hampered by the loss of [[Ranidel de Ocampo]], who was sidelined by a severe herniated disc.<ref name="RDOInjuryInq">{{cite news |last=Leongson |first=Randolph |date=October 25, 2015 |title=De Ocampo out at least 6 weeks with herniated disc after gym accident |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/197211/de-ocampo-taken-to-hospital-after-tweaking-his-back-losing-mobility-during-practice |work=Inquirer.net |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=February 3, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203115802/https://sports.inquirer.net/197211/de-ocampo-taken-to-hospital-after-tweaking-his-back-losing-mobility-during-practice |url-status=live }}</ref> In the playoffs, TNT eliminated the [[NLEX Road Warriors]] in the first phase of the quarterfinals. However, they were eliminated in Phase 2 by the [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters]], 104–89. For the [[2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2016 Commissioner's Cup]], the team rebranded as '''Tropang TNT''' and brought back import [[Ivan Johnson]]. The conference was overshadowed by a controversy on February 13, 2016, when Johnson was ejected and directed profanities at PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa. This resulted in an initial lifetime ban, which was later downgraded to a season-long suspension and a ₱150,000 fine following an apology.<ref name="GMAIvanBan">{{cite news |last=Panaligan |first=Marisse |date=February 17, 2016 |title=Ivan Johnson no longer banned, just suspended for PBA season |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/555599/ivan-johnson-no-longer-banned-just-suspended-for-pba-season/story/ |work=GMA News Online}}</ref> TNT signed David Simon as a replacement and reached the playoffs. However, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]] in a deciding Game 3, losing 85–81.<ref name="AlaskaTNTComm">{{cite news |last=Cruz |first=KC |date=April 19, 2016 |title=Alaska survives TNT, sets up sudden death showdown |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/563283/alaska-survives-tnt-sets-up-sudden-death-showdown/story/ |work=GMA News Online}}</ref> The franchise adopted the name '''TNT KaTropa''' starting in the [[2016 PBA Governors' Cup|2016 Governors' Cup]], a moniker it maintained until the 2019 Governors' Cup. Led by [[Jayson Castro]], TNT dominated the elimination round with a league-best 10–1 record. However, the team was eliminated in the semifinals by the [[Meralco Bolts]]. In Game 4, Meralco secured a 94–88 victory to oust the top-seeded KaTropa. The series was notable for former TNT legend [[Jimmy Alapag]] leading Meralco to its first-ever PBA Finals appearance at the expense of his former franchise.<ref name="ABSCBNMeralco">{{cite news |date=October 4, 2016 |title='Bittersweet' moment as Alapag helps Meralco reach finals at TNT's expense |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/10/03/16/bittersweet-moment-as-alapag-helps-meralco-reach-finals-at-tnts-expense |work=ABS-CBN News |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |access-date=February 3, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108101930/https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/10/03/16/bittersweet-moment-as-alapag-helps-meralco-reach-finals-at-tnts-expense |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[2016–17 PBA season]] marked a pivotal coaching transition for TNT KaTropa. On October 22, 2016, [[Nash Racela]] was appointed head coach, replacing [[Jong Uichico]]. Racela implemented a modern, guard-oriented offensive system similar to his successful tenure with the FEU Tamaraws.<ref name="NashAppointment">{{cite news |date=October 19, 2016 |title=Nash Racela takes over TNT coaching chores, replaces Uichico |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/226382/nash-racela-takes-over-tnt-coaching-chore-replaces-uichico |work=inquirer.net}}</ref> TNT bolstered its roster by selecting [[Roger Pogoy]] via the [[Gilas Pilipinas]] special draft.<ref>[http://www.foxsportsasia.com/pba/news/detail/item535243/belo-ferrer-head-list-gilas-players-special-draft-pba-sbp-renew-ties/ Belo, Ferrer head list of Gilas players in special draft as PBA-SBP renew ties] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024091833/http://www.foxsportsasia.com/pba/news/detail/item535243/belo-ferrer-head-list-gilas-players-special-draft-pba-sbp-renew-ties/ |date=October 24, 2016 }}, Jason Mercene, Fox Sports Asia, October 19, 2016</ref> The KaTropa finished the elimination round with a 6–5 record to secure the 4th seed of the [[2016–17 PBA Philippine Cup|2016–17 Philippine Cup]]. After sweeping the GlobalPort Batang Pier in the quarterfinals, TNT pushed the [[San Miguel Beermen]] to seven games in the semifinals. Despite a strong performance from [[Jayson Castro]], the team fell in Game 7, 96–83, as the Beermen's size advantage proved decisive. Ahead of the [[2017 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2017 Commissioner's Cup]], TNT recruited 6'10" center [[Joshua Smith (basketball)|Joshua Smith]] and acquired guard [[RR Garcia]] from San Miguel in exchange for [[Matt Ganuelas-Rosser]].<ref name="RRGarciaTrade">{{cite news |date=April 24, 2017 |title=San Miguel trades RR Garcia to TNT for Matt Ganuelas-Rosser |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/608127/san-miguel-trades-rr-garcia-to-tnt-for-matt-ganuelas-rosser/story/ |work=GMA News Online}}</ref> The team finished the elimination round with an 8–3 record, subsequently defeating Meralco in the quarterfinals and [[Barangay Ginebra]] in the semifinals to reach the Finals. In the Finals against [[San Miguel Beermen]], TNT won Game 1 behind a 27-point performance from rookie [[Roger Pogoy]].<ref name="PogoyFinals">{{cite news |date=July 2, 2017 |title=SMB crowned Commissioner's Cup champions |url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/sports/2017/07/02/82517/smb-crowned-commissioners-cup-champions/ |work=interaksyon.philstar.com |archive-date=January 19, 2021 |access-date=February 3, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119190857/https://interaksyon.philstar.com/sports/2017/07/02/82517/smb-crowned-commissioners-cup-champions/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, a foot injury to Smith hindered the team in the later stages of the series. The Beermen eventually captured the title in six games, concluding with a 115–91 victory in Game 6.<ref name="SMBChampion">{{cite news |last=Fopalan |first=Renee |date=July 2, 2017 |title=San Miguel secures Commissioner's Cup crown vs TNT |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/616633/pba-san-miguel-secures-commissioner-s-cup-crown-vs-tnt/story/ |work=GMA News Online |archive-date=June 8, 2025 |access-date=February 3, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250608195747/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/616633/pba-san-miguel-secures-commissioner-s-cup-crown-vs-tnt/story/ |url-status=live }}</ref> TNT finished the elimination round of the season-ending [[2017 PBA Governors' Cup|2017 Governors' Cup]] as the 2nd seed with an 8–3 record, led by import [[Glen Rice Jr.]] Rice provided elite scoring but struggled with disciplinary issues throughout the conference. The KaTropa were eliminated in the semifinals by [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Barangay Ginebra]]. The physical series concluded in Game 4 with a 115–105 loss, during which Rice was ejected for an altercation with [[Kevin Ferrer]]. Despite the exit, [[Roger Pogoy]] was named the 2016–17 PBA Rookie of the Year, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the franchise.<ref name="PogoyROY">{{cite news |date=October 23, 2017 |title=All RR Pogoy ever wanted at TNT in rookie year was playing time. Now he has a lot more |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/roger-pogoy-set-out-to-just-earn-playing-time-for-tnt |work=[[Spin.ph]]|archive-date=November 3, 2023 |access-date=February 3, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103220606/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/roger-pogoy-set-out-to-just-earn-playing-time-for-tnt |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 2017–2020: A period of transition ==== The [[2017–18 PBA season]] was a transitional period for TNT KaTropa, characterized by youth recruitment and strategic veteran acquisitions to bolster the roster under head coach [[Nash Racela]]. TNT engaged in multiple trades to overhaul its wing and interior rotations. On February 15, 2018, the team acquired [[Jericho Cruz]] from the [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters]] in exchange for Sidney Onwubere, Kris Rosales, and a 2018 first-round pick.<ref name="TBT18Cruz">{{cite news |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=February 15, 2018 |title=PBA approves TNT-Rain or Shine trade involving Jericho Cruz |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-approves-tnt-rain-shine-trade-involving-jericho-cruz/109045 |work=Tiebreaker Times}}</ref> Shortly after, TNT added wing [[Don Trollano]] from Rain or Shine in exchange for big man [[Norbert Torres]], reuniting former Adamson University teammates Cruz and Trollano.<ref name="Inquirer18Trollano">{{cite news |last=Leongson |first=Randolph |date=March 26, 2018 |title=TNT acquires Don Trollano for Norbert Torres in trade with Rain or Shine |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/290498/tnt-acquires-don-trollano-for-norbert-torres-in-trade-with-rain-or-shine |work=Inquirer.net |archive-date=January 19, 2025 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119040509/https://sports.inquirer.net/290498/tnt-acquires-don-trollano-for-norbert-torres-in-trade-with-rain-or-shine |url-status=live }}</ref> TNT struggled throughout the elimination round of the [[2017–18 PBA Philippine Cup|2017–18 Philippine Cup]], finishing with a 5–6 record. This necessitated a knockout 8th-seed playoff against the [[Phoenix Fuelmasters]], which TNT won, 118–97, on March 4, 2018, to secure a postseason berth.<ref name="Inquirer18PHX">{{cite news |last=Ochoa |first=Brian J. |date=March 4, 2018 |title=TNT eliminates Phoenix, makes PBA quarterfinals |url=https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/165903/tnt-eliminates-phoenix-makes-pba-quarterfinals |work=Inquirer.net |archive-date=July 24, 2024 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724174326/https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/165903/tnt-eliminates-phoenix-makes-pba-quarterfinals |url-status=live }}</ref> In the quarterfinals, TNT faced the top-seeded [[San Miguel Beermen]] with a twice-to-beat disadvantage and was eliminated following a 106–93 loss on March 6, 2018.<ref name="Inquirer18SMB">{{cite news |last=Giongco |first=Mark |date=March 6, 2018 |title=No love lost between TNT, San Miguel as Cruz, Santos get into spat |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/287420/no-love-lost-tnt-san-miguel-cruz-santos-get-spat |work=Inquirer.net}}</ref> On April 3, 2018, TNT executed a major trade to acquire three-time scoring champion [[Terrence Romeo]] and Yousef Taha from the [[NorthPort Batang Pier|GlobalPort Batang Pier]]. In exchange, TNT sent 2015 top pick [[Moala Tautuaa]], a 2020 first-round pick, and a 2021 second-round pick to GlobalPort.<ref name="GMA18Trade">{{cite news |date=April 3, 2018 |title=GlobalPort trades Terrence Romeo to TNT |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/648712/globalport-trades-terrence-romeo-to-tnt/story/ |work=GMA News Online}}</ref><ref name="SPIN18Trade">{{cite news |last=Ramos |first=Gerry |date=April 3, 2018 |title=PBA approves trade sending Terrence Romeo to TNT |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/terrence-romeo-tnt-katropa-globalport-batang-pier-trade-approved-a793-20180403 |work=[[Spin.ph]]}}</ref> Despite the addition of Romeo, TNT's promising 8–3 elimination record in the [[2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup]] did not translate to postseason success. The team was swept, 0–2, in the quarterfinals by the San Miguel Beermen, ending the first conference of the Romeo-Castro backcourt pairing early.<ref name="PBA18Results">{{cite web |title=2018 Commissioner's Cup Standings |url=https://pba.inquirer.net/standings/2018-commissioners-cup |access-date=February 4, 2026 |website=Inquirer.net}}</ref> Following a 1–4 start in the [[2018 PBA Governors' Cup|2018 Governors' Cup]], head coach Nash Racela was replaced by Bong Ravena, with [[Mark Dickel]] appointed as an active consultant.<ref name="Inquirer18Coach">{{cite news |last=Lozada |first=Bong |date=September 21, 2018 |title=Bong Ravena promoted to TNT head coach |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/320308/bong-ravena-promoted-tnt-head-coach |work=Inquirer.net |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201022359/https://sports.inquirer.net/320308/bong-ravena-promoted-tnt-head-coach |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite recruiting import [[Marqus Blakely]], TNT finished with a 4–7 record and missed the playoffs for the first time in several years. In December 2018, the franchise traded Terrence Romeo to San Miguel to address internal chemistry issues.<ref name="Inquirer18TradeEnd">{{cite news |last=Giongco |first=Mark |date=December 19, 2018 |title=Terrence Romeo to San Miguel gets PBA green light |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/331880/terrence-romeo-to-san-miguel-gets-pba-green-light |work=Inquirer.net |archive-date=December 20, 2018 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220135953/https://sports.inquirer.net/331880/terrence-romeo-to-san-miguel-gets-pba-green-light |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Inquirer18Chemistry">{{cite news |last=Castillo |first=Musong R. |date=December 17, 2018 |title=TNT trades away Romeo to preserve team chemistry |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/331730/tnt-katropa-trade-away-terrence-romeo-to-preserve-team-chemistry |work=Inquirer.net}}</ref>

[[File:TNT KaTropa logo 2019-2020.webp|thumb|right|150px|TNT KaTropa logo used from 2019-2020]]

The [[2019 PBA season]] was a transitional year for TNT KaTropa, characterized by a shift toward a high-octane offense. Under head coach Bong Ravena and consultant Mark Dickel, the team returned to championship contention and executed a major roster overhaul via the acquisition of rookie star [[Bobby Ray Parks Jr.]] In the 2019 PBA Draft, TNT selected defensive guard [[Kib Montalbo]] in the first round (11th overall) and Simon Camacho in the third round.<ref name="PBA19Draft">{{cite news |date=December 8, 2019 |title=Roosevelt Adams is No. 1 pick in 2019 PBA Draft |url=https://www.pba.ph/news/roosevelt-adams-is-no-1-pick-in-2019-pba-draft |work=PBA.ph}}</ref> On November 3, 2019, TNT acquired [[Bobby Ray Parks Jr.]] from [[Blackwater Elite]] in exchange for Don Trollano, Anthony Semerad, and a 2021 first-round pick.<ref name="TBT19Parks">{{cite news |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=November 3, 2019 |title=PBA approves trade sending Parks to TNT |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-approves-trade-sending-parks-tnt/168336 |work=Tiebreaker Times}}</ref> Other notable acquisitions included sharpshooter Michael DiGregorio for Brian Heruela and the signing of free agent Almond Vosotros.<ref name="ABS19DiGregorio">{{cite news |date=October 19, 2019 |title=PBA trade: Mike DiGregorio sa TNT na; Blackwater kuha si Heruela |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/10/19/19/pba-trade-mike-digregorio-sa-tnt-na-blackwater-kuha-si-heruela |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref><ref name="Spin19Vosotros">{{cite news |last=Ramos |first=Gerry |date=October 24, 2019 |title=TNT signs free agent Almond Vosotros to one-year deal |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/tnt-katropa-signs-almond-vosotros-one-year-contract-a793-20191024 |work=[[Spin.ph]]}}</ref> TNT finished the elimination round of the [[2019 PBA Philippine Cup|2019 Philippine Cup]] with a 7–4 record but was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the [[San Miguel Beermen]], losing the best-of-three series 1–2.<ref name="Inquirer19Phil">{{cite news |last=Lozada |first=Bong |date=April 10, 2019 |title=San Miguel Beer eliminates TNT, enters Philippine Cup semis |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/345512/pba-san-miguel-beer-eliminates-tnt-enters-philippine-cup-semis |work=Inquirer.net}}</ref> Behind the dominance of former NBA forward [[Terrence Jones]], TNT topped the eliminations of the [[2019 PBA Commissioner's Cup|Commissioner's Cup]] with a 10–1 record.<ref name="PBA19CommStandings">{{cite web |title=2019 Commissioner's Cup Standings |url=https://www.pba.ph/standings/2019/commissioners-cup |access-date=February 4, 2026 |website=PBA.ph}}</ref> They swept the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]] in the quarterfinals and defeated [[Barangay Ginebra]] (3–1) in the semifinals. In the Finals, TNT fell to San Miguel, 2–4, despite holding an early series lead.<ref name="ABS19CommFinals">{{cite news |date=August 16, 2019 |title=San Miguel finishes off TNT, captures 27th PBA title |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/08/16/19/san-miguel-finishes-off-tnt-captures-27th-pba-title |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref> [[Jayson Castro]] and Jones were named Best Player and Best Import of the conference, respectively.<ref name="GMA19Awards">{{cite news |date=August 11, 2019 |title=Jones, Castro lead awardees in 2019 Commissioner's Cup |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/704176/jones-castro-lead-awardees-in-2019-commissioner-s-cup/story/ |work=GMA News Online}}</ref> For the [[2019 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors' Cup]] TNT signed [[KJ McDaniels]] as their import, leading the team to an 8–3 record and the third seed. On November 3, 2019, TNT acquired rookie Ray Parks Jr. from Blackwater in exchange for Don Trollano and Anthony Semerad.<ref name="Inquirer19Parks">{{cite news |last=Lozada |first=Bong |date=November 3, 2019 |title=PBA approves Ray Parks trade to TNT |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/372157/pba-approves-ray-parks-trade-to-tnt |work=Inquirer.net |archive-date=February 22, 2026 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222134550/https://sports.inquirer.net/372157/pba-approves-ray-parks-trade-to-tnt |url-status=live }}</ref> In the playoffs, TNT utilized their twice-to-beat advantage to eliminate Magnolia in the quarterfinals. However, they were eliminated in the semifinals by the [[Meralco Bolts]], losing the best-of-five series, 3–2, after a 89–78 defeat in Game 5.<ref name="Inquirer19GovsSemis">{{cite news |last=Dalupang |first=Denison Rey A. |date=December 23, 2019 |title=Meralco topples TNT, faces Ginebra in PBA finals anew |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/379656/meralco-topples-tnt-faces-ginebra-in-pba-finals-anew |work=Inquirer.net}}</ref>

[[File:TNT Tropang Giga logo 2020-2022.webp|thumb|right|150px|TNT Tropang GIGA logo used from 2020-2022]]

For the [[2020 PBA season]], the team rebranded to '''TNT Tropang Giga'''. To strengthen their frontcourt, TNT acquired 6-foot-8 center [[Poy Erram]] through a three-team trade involving NLEX and Blackwater, sending [[Anthony Semerad]] and two future first-round picks in exchange.<ref name="PNA20Erram">{{cite news |last=Saldajeno |first=Ivan Stewart |date=February 29, 2020 |title=Poy Erram traded to TNT |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1095177 |work=Philippine News Agency}}</ref> The team also signed free agent Lervyn Flores to bolster interior depth. In the lone conference of the season, the [[2020 PBA Philippine Cup|2020 Philippine Cup]], TNT finished the elimination round with a 7–4 record, securing the third seed. In the quarterfinals, they eliminated the [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]], 104–83. They advanced to the Finals after overcoming a 1–2 deficit against the [[Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters]] in the semifinals, winning the series 3–2.<ref name="Inquirer20Semis">{{cite news |last=Flores-Colina |first=Celest |date=November 27, 2020 |title=TNT books PBA PH Cup finals spot, ousts Phoenix |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/409685/tnt-books-pba-ph-cup-finals-spot-ousts-phoenix |work=Inquirer.net |archive-date=May 4, 2025 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250504225305/https://sports.inquirer.net/409685/tnt-books-pba-ph-cup-finals-spot-ousts-phoenix |url-status=live }}</ref> In the Finals, TNT faced [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel]]. Hampered by injuries to Ray Parks Jr. (calf) and Jayson Castro (knee), the Tropang Giga fell in five games, 1–4.<ref name="TBT20Finals">{{cite news |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=December 9, 2020 |title=Castro, Parks ruled out of PBA Finals Game Five |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/castro-parks-ruled-out-of-pba-finals-game-five/197894 |work=Tiebreaker Times |archive-date=December 9, 2020 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209051009/https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/castro-parks-ruled-out-of-pba-finals-game-five/197894 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2021–present: New talents emerge ===

==== 2021–2023: The Mikey Williams era and the arrival of Calvin Oftana ==== Ahead of the [[2021 PBA season]], the franchise underwent a major leadership change by rehiring [[Chot Reyes]] as head coach for the first time since 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dalupang |first=Denn |date=January 5, 2022 |title=Ending a dynasty: Chot, TNT knocked off SMC teams in succession |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/446058/ending-a-dynasty-chot-tnt-knocked-off-smc-teams-in-succession-on-the-way-to-ph-cup-title |access-date=January 29, 2026 |work=Inquirer.net |archive-date=July 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722130255/https://sports.inquirer.net/446058/ending-a-dynasty-chot-tnt-knocked-off-smc-teams-in-succession-on-the-way-to-ph-cup-title |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=TnT welcomes back Chot Reyes as head coach after letting Mark Dickel go |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/tnt-welcomes-back-chot-reyes-as-head-coach-after-team-let-go-of-consultant-mark-dickel-a793-20210213 |access-date=February 13, 2021 |publisher=[[Spin.ph]]}}</ref> To bolster the roster, TNT participated in a three-team trade with the [[NLEX Road Warriors]] and [[Blackwater Bossing|Blackwater Elite]] to acquire the 4th overall pick, which they used to select Fil-Am guard [[Mikey Williams (basketball, born 1991)|Mikey Williams]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Morales |first=Luisa |date=March 11, 2021 |title=TNT gets 4th pick in 2021 draft in three-team trade |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2021/03/11/2083554/tnt-gets-4th-pick-2021-draft-three-team-trade-nlex-blackwater |access-date=January 29, 2026 |work=Philstar.com |archive-date=March 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311090019/https://www.philstar.com/sports/2021/03/11/2083554/tnt-gets-4th-pick-2021-draft-three-team-trade-nlex-blackwater |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, veteran [[Kelly Williams]] returned from a brief retirement to provide frontcourt leadership.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 20, 2021 |title=TNT, Magnolia begin finals clash |url=https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-sports/2021/10/20/2135314/tnt-magnolia-begin-finals-clash |work=Philstar.com |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |access-date=January 29, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022045300/https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-sports/2021/10/20/2135314/tnt-magnolia-begin-finals-clash |url-status=live }}</ref> TNT dominated the [[2021 PBA Philippine Cup]], finishing the elimination round as the top seed with a 10–1 record. In the quarterfinals, the team utilized its twice-to-beat advantage to eliminate defending champion [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel]], 84–71.<ref>{{cite news |last=Leyba |first=Olmin |date=September 30, 2021 |title=San Miguel finishes off NorthPort, forges duel vs TNT |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2021/09/30/2130842/san-miguel-finishes-northport-forges-duel-vs-tnt |work=[[Philstar]].com}}</ref> TNT advanced to the Finals after a grueling seven-game semifinal series against the [[San Miguel Beermen]], winning the deciding Game 7, 97–79.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=October 15, 2021 |title=San Miguel exacts vengeance on TNT, sends PBA semis to game seven |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/san-miguel-exacts-vengeance-on-tnt-sends-pba-semis-to-game-seven/222081 |work=Tiebreaker Times |archive-date=May 29, 2023 |access-date=January 29, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529221525/https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/san-miguel-exacts-vengeance-on-tnt-sends-pba-semis-to-game-seven/222081 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the Finals, TNT defeated the [[Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots]], 4–1, in Bacolor, Pampanga. The series was highlighted by a record-breaking Game 2 performance and a 39-point outburst from [[Mikey Williams (basketball, born 1991)|Mikey Williams]] in Game 3.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 24, 2021 |title=Mikey Williams, TNT make it rain on Magnolia, cruise to 2-0 lead |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/mikey-williams-tnt-make-it-rain-on-magnolia-cruise-to-2-0-lead-in-pba-finals/222718 |work=Tiebreaker Times |archive-date=June 10, 2023 |access-date=January 29, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610222503/https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/mikey-williams-tnt-make-it-rain-on-magnolia-cruise-to-2-0-lead-in-pba-finals/222718 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=October 24, 2021 |title=Magnolia overcomes Mikey Williams' 39 points to take Game 3 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/808222/magnolia-overcomes-mikey-williams-39-points-10-threes-to-take-game-3-of-ph-cup-finals/story/ |work=GMA News Online |archive-date=October 24, 2021 |access-date=January 29, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024124804/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/808222/magnolia-overcomes-mikey-williams-39-points-10-threes-to-take-game-3-of-ph-cup-finals/story/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Williams was named Finals MVP, becoming the first rookie since 2003 to earn the honor.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=October 29, 2021 |title=Mikey Williams becomes first rookie to win PBA Finals MVP in 12 years |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/mikey-williams-becomes-first-rookie-to-win-pba-finals-mvp-in-12-years/223481 |work=Tiebreaker Times}}</ref> TNT finished the elimination round of the [[2021 PBA Governors' Cup|2021 Governors' Cup]] as the 3rd seed with a 7–4 record, parading imports McKenzie Moore and later [[Aaron Fuller (basketball)|Aaron Fuller]].<ref>{{cite news |date=February 18, 2022 |title=PBA: Ryan Reyes makes it rain on Ginebra |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-pba-ryan-reyes-makes-it-rain-on-ginebra-as-tnt-leaves-for-fibawc-with-streak/231966 |work=Tiebreaker Times}}</ref> Despite holding a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, TNT was upset by Barangay Ginebra in back-to-back games, resulting in an early exit.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 22, 2024 |title=TNT is the thorn in Justin Brownlee's dominant PBA career |url=https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/25686/immune-to-magic-tnt-is-the-thorn-in-justin-brownlee-s-dominant-pba-career |work=OneSports.ph |archive-date=January 18, 2026 |access-date=January 29, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260118034719/https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/25686/immune-to-magic-tnt-is-the-thorn-in-justin-brownlee-s-dominant-pba-career |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:TNT Tropang Giga logo 2023–2025.webp|thumb|right|150px|TNT Tropang Giga logo used from 2022-2025]]

TNT entered the [[2022 PBA Philippine Cup]] as the defending Philippine Cup champion, finishing the elimination round as the second seed with an 8–3 record.<ref name="PBAAnnual47">{{cite web |title=2022-23 PBA Season Review |url=https://www.pba.ph/history/2022 |access-date=January 29, 2026 |website=PBA.ph}}</ref> The team advanced through the playoffs by defeating the [[Converge FiberXers]] in the quarterfinals and the [[Magnolia Hotshots|Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots]] (4–2) in the semifinals.<ref name="Inquirer47a">{{cite news |last=Terrado |first=Jonas |date=September 14, 2022 |title=PBA: TNT set to acquire Calvin Oftana in three-team trade |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/477053/pba-tnt-set-to-acquire-calvin-oftana-in-three-team-trade |work=Inquirer.net |archive-date=August 14, 2025 |access-date=January 30, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814075349/https://sports.inquirer.net/477053/pba-tnt-set-to-acquire-calvin-oftana-in-three-team-trade |url-status=live }}</ref> In the Finals, TNT faced the [[San Miguel Beermen]] in a seven-game series. Despite a Game 1 buzzer-beater by [[Jayson Castro]] and holding a 3–2 series lead, TNT suffered a late-game collapse in Game 7, losing 119–97 and failing to secure back-to-back titles.<ref name="PNA47">{{cite news |last=Saldajeno |first=Ivan |date=August 22, 2022 |title=TNT wins finals opener vs. SMB |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1181826 |work=Philippine News Agency |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |access-date=January 30, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201091433/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1181826 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Inquirer47a" /> On September 19, 2022, TNT engaged in a blockbuster three-team trade to revitalize the roster. The team acquired rising star [[Calvin Oftana]] and Raul Soyud from the [[NLEX Road Warriors]]. In exchange, TNT sent veteran mainstay [[Troy Rosario]] and Gab Banal to [[Blackwater Bossing]], ending Rosario's seven-year tenure with the franchise.<ref name="ABSCBN47">{{cite news |date=September 14, 2022 |title=PBA: Oftana headed to TNT in three-team trade |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/09/14/22/pba-oftana-headed-to-tnt-in-three-team-trade |work=ABS-CBN News |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |access-date=February 6, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528032037/https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/09/14/22/pba-oftana-headed-to-tnt-in-three-team-trade |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ramos |first=Gerry |date=September 19, 2022 |title=Rosario now a Bossing, Oftana goes to TNT as PBA approves trade |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/rosario-now-a-bossing-oftana-goes-to-tnt-as-pba-approves-trade-a793-20220919 |access-date=September 19, 2022 |work=[[Spin.ph]] |archive-date=September 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919032311/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/rosario-now-a-bossing-oftana-goes-to-tnt-as-pba-approves-trade-a793-20220919 |url-status=live }}</ref> For the [[2022–23 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2022–23 Commissioner's Cup]], TNT signed [[Cameron Oliver]] as the team's import. TNT struggled with consistency and injuries, finishing with a 4–8 record. For the first time in several seasons, the franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs.<ref name="Ballers47">{{cite web |title=It seems like business as usual with the TNT Tropang Giga |url=https://ballers.ph/features/it-seems-like-business-as-usual-with-the-tnt-tropang-giga/ |access-date=January 29, 2026 |website=Ballers.ph |archive-date=September 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250914232517/https://ballers.ph/features/it-seems-like-business-as-usual-with-the-tnt-tropang-giga/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[2023 PBA Governors' Cup|2023 Governors' Cup]] featured a coaching shift as [[Jojo Lastimosa]] took over as interim head coach while [[Chot Reyes]] focused on national team duties. A pivotal mid-conference move saw TNT replace Jalen Hudson with [[Rondae Hollis-Jefferson]], a change that transformed the team's defensive identity.<ref>{{cite news |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=February 13, 2023 |title=TNT makes surprise import switch, brings in Hollis-Jefferson for Hudson |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tnt-makes-surprise-import-switch-brings-in-hollis-jefferson-for-hudson/261965 |work=Tiebreaker Times |archive-date=March 19, 2023 |access-date=January 30, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319212225/https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tnt-makes-surprise-import-switch-brings-in-hollis-jefferson-for-hudson/261965 |url-status=live }}</ref> TNT finished the elimination round as the top seed with a 10–1 record.<ref name="Inquirer47b">{{cite news |last=Dalupang |first=Denn |date=April 21, 2023 |title=TNT ends Ginebra reign, wins 2023 PBA Governors' Cup crown |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/506172/tnt-ends-ginebra-reign-wins-2023-pba-governors-cup-crown |work=Inquirer.net |archive-date=November 28, 2023 |access-date=January 30, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128155612/https://sports.inquirer.net/506172/tnt-ends-ginebra-reign-wins-2023-pba-governors-cup-crown |url-status=live }}</ref> In the quarterfinals, TNT utilized its twice-to-beat advantage to eliminate the [[Phoenix Fuelmasters|Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters]], 132–105. Hollis-Jefferson recorded a triple-double, and the team set a franchise playoff record with 21 three-pointers.<ref name="PNA47qf">{{cite news |last=Saldajeno |first=Ivan |date=March 22, 2023 |title=TNT, Ginebra formalize semis date after QF routs |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1198007 |work=Philippine News Agency}}</ref> TNT then advanced to the Finals by defeating the [[Meralco Bolts]], 3–1, in a physical semifinal series highlighted by a 40-point Game 3 performance from Hollis-Jefferson.<ref name="GMA47s3">{{cite news |date=March 29, 2023 |title=TNT moves on cusp of PBA Finals after Game 3 win vs Meralco |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/865447/tnt-moves-on-cusp-of-pba-finals-after-game-3-win-vs-meralco/story/ |work=GMA News Online}}</ref><ref name="Inquirer47s4">{{cite news |last=Dalupang |first=Denn |date=March 31, 2023 |title=TNT back in PBA Finals after dispatching Meralco |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/502905/tnt-back-in-pba-finals-after-dispatching-meralco |work=Inquirer.net}}</ref> In the Finals, TNT faced defending champion [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel]]. TNT secured the title, 4–2, following a 97–93 victory in Game 6 behind [[Mikey Williams (basketball, born 1991)|Mikey Williams]]' 38 points.<ref name="Inquirer47b" /> Williams was named Finals MVP, while Hollis-Jefferson earned the Best Import award. This series is often cited as the starting point of the [[TNT-Barangay Ginebra rivalry]].<ref name="Inquirer47b" />

==== 2023–present: The Calvin Oftana era ==== During the [[2023–24 PBA season]], TNT represented the PBA in the [[2023–24 East Asia Super League|first regular season]] of the [[East Asia Super League]] (EASL) alongside the [[Meralco Bolts]]. The team opened its campaign on October 11, 2023, with a 93–75 loss to the [[Chiba Jets]] in Japan.<ref name="ABSCBNEASL">{{cite news |date=October 11, 2023 |title=Undermanned TNT falls short vs Chiba Jets in EASL |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/10/11/23/undermanned-tnt-falls-short-vs-chiba-jets-in-easl |work=ABS-CBN Sports}}</ref> TNT played the tournament without several key players, including Mikey Williams, Roger Pogoy, and [[Poy Erram]], and ultimately failed to advance to the EASL Final Four.<ref name="ABSCBNEASL" />

With [[Chot Reyes]] on leave following his national team stint, [[Jojo Lastimosa]] served as head coach for the [[2023–24 PBA Commissioner's Cup]]. The team initially paraded [[Rondae Hollis-Jefferson]], but a neck injury led the team to sign his brother, [[Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson]], as a replacement.<ref name="OneSportsComm">{{cite news |date=January 15, 2024 |title=Full PBA playoff bracket set: What to expect come Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals |url=https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/18363/full-pba-playoff-bracket-set-what-to-expect-come-commissioner-s-cup-quarterfinals |work=One Sports}}</ref> TNT finished the elimination round as the 8th seed with a 5–6 record, securing the final playoff spot after a crucial win against the [[Phoenix Fuelmasters]].<ref name="OneSportsComm" /> In the quarterfinals, TNT faced the top-seeded [[Magnolia Hotshots|Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots]] with a twice-to-win disadvantage and was eliminated in a single game, 109–94, on January 17, 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last=de la Peña |first=Leobert |date=January 22, 2024 |title=Chot Reyes back as TNT Tropang Giga's head coach |url=https://dailyguardian.com.ph/chot-reyes-back-as-tnt-tropang-gigas-head-coach/ |work=Daily Guardian}}</ref> On January 20, 2024, the franchise announced the return of [[Chot Reyes]] as head coach for the [[2024 PBA Philippine Cup|2024 Philippine Cup]], while [[Jojo Lastimosa]] transitioned back to team manager.<ref name="OneSportsChot">{{cite news |date=January 20, 2024 |title=PBA: Chot Reyes back as TNT coach, Jolas returns as team manager |url=https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/18428/pba-chot-reyes-back-as-tnt-coach-jolas-returns-as-team-manager |work=One Sports |archive-date=September 8, 2025 |access-date=January 30, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250908003132/https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/18428/pba-chot-reyes-back-as-tnt-coach-jolas-returns-as-team-manager |url-status=live }}</ref> The team finished the elimination round with a 6–5 record, securing the 4th seed.<ref name="ManilaTimes48">{{cite news |date=April 3, 2025 |title=PBA champ TNT Tropang Giga rebrands as Tropang5G |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/03/sports/pba-champ-tnt-tropang-giga-rebrands-as-tropang5g/2085835 |work=The Manila Times}}</ref> In the quarterfinals, TNT faced the [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters]] in a best-of-three series. Despite winning the opening game, TNT lost the following two matches, resulting in a 1–2 series defeat and a rare early playoff exit.<ref name="OneSportsROS">{{cite news |date=February 24, 2025 |title=TNT, Rain or Shine run it back for Commissioner's Cup semifinals |url=https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/29122/tnt-rain-or-shine-run-it-back-for-commissioner-s-cup-semifinals-pba-schedule |work=One Sports}}</ref>

The [[2024–25 PBA season]] was a historic campaign where the franchise reached the Finals in all three conferences. The team established a defensive identity under head coach [[Chot Reyes]] and returning import [[Rondae Hollis-Jefferson]]. In the [[2024 PBA Governors' Cup|2024 Governors' Cup]], TNT topped Group A with an 8–2 record during the elimination round.<ref name="ABSCBN49govs">{{cite news |date=September 23, 2024 |title=TNT takes top seed in Group A |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/09/23/tnt-takes-top-seed-in-group-a-after-routing-northport |access-date=January 31, 2026 |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref> They advanced through the playoffs by defeating the [[NLEX Road Warriors]] (3–1) in the quarterfinals and the [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters]] (4–1) in the semifinals.<ref name="TBT49govs">{{cite news |date=October 1, 2024 |title=TNT takes down NLEX to reach Govs Cup semis |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tnt-takes-down-nlex-to-reach-govs-cup-semis/312048 |work=Tiebreaker Times}}</ref><ref name="Inquirer49ros">{{cite news |last=Dalupang |first=Denn |date=October 20, 2024 |title=TNT returns to Finals, ousts Rain or Shine |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/590321/tnt-returns-to-finals-ousts-rain-or-shine |work=Inquirer.net}}</ref> In the Finals, TNT defeated [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Barangay Ginebra]], 4–2, to retain their title. [[Jayson Castro]] was named Finals MVP, while Hollis-Jefferson earned the Best Import award.<ref>{{cite web |last=Terrado |first=Reuben |date=November 8, 2024 |title=Rejuvenated Jayson Castro wins PBA Finals MVP at age 38 |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/jayson-castro-wins-pba-finals-mvp-at-38-as-tnt-beats-ginebra-a795-20241108?ref=feed_1_section |website=[[Spin.ph]] |access-date=January 26, 2026 |archive-date=August 11, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250811134448/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/jayson-castro-wins-pba-finals-mvp-at-38-as-tnt-beats-ginebra-a795-20241108?ref=feed_1_section |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Philstar49govs">{{cite news |last=Leyba |first=Olmin |date=November 9, 2024 |title=TNT denies Ginebra, retains Governors' Cup crown |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2024/11/09/2398754/tnt-denies-ginebra-retains-governors-cup-crown |work=Philstar.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2024 |title=Fajardo, RHJ cop Governors' Cup individual awards |url=https://pba.ph/news/fajardo-rhj-cop-governors-cup-individual-awards |website=PBA.ph |access-date=January 26, 2026 |archive-date=December 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213194124/https://pba.ph/news/fajardo-rhj-cop-governors-cup-individual-awards |url-status=live }}</ref> TNT secured the second seed of the [[2024–25 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2024–25 Commissioner's Cup]] with a 9–2 record in the elimination round, with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson returning as import.<ref name="OneSportsComm49">{{cite news |date=January 15, 2025 |title=PBA Commissioner's Cup playoff bracket set |url=https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/18363/full-pba-playoff-bracket-set |work=One Sports}}</ref> In the quarterfinals, TNT utilized its twice-to-beat advantage to eliminate the [[NorthPort Batang Pier]], 105–92, behind a strong performance from [[Rey Nambatac]].<ref name="GMA49comm">{{cite news |date=February 15, 2025 |title=TNT high speed connection to the semis |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/936481/tnt-rolls-past-northport-to-semis/story/ |work=GMA News Online}}</ref> The team then advanced to the Finals after defeating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 4–1, in the semifinals, highlighted by the perimeter shooting of Calvin Oftana.<ref name="TBT49comm">{{cite news |date=February 26, 2025 |title=TNT draws first blood vs Rain or Shine in semis |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tnt-draws-first-blood-vs-rain-or-shine-in-semis/328491 |work=Tiebreaker Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=March 7, 2025 |title=Tropa get job done, finish off E-Painters in 5 games to reach Finals |url=https://pba.ph/news/tropa-get-job-done-finish-off-e-painters-in-5-games-to-reach-finals |accessdate=March 8, 2025 |website=pba.ph}}</ref> The Finals featured a seven-game rematch against Barangay Ginebra. TNT claimed the championship with an 87–83 overtime victory in Game 7. Rey Nambatac was named Finals MVP, while Rondae Hollis-Jefferson received his third [[Bobby Parks PBA Best Import of the Conference award|Best Import of the Conference]] award.<ref name="ABSCBN49comm">{{cite news |date=March 28, 2025 |title=TNT takes Commissioner's Cup title in Game 7 thriller |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/2025/03/28/tnt-takes-commissioners-cup-title-in-game-7-thriller |work=ABS-CBN Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Panerio |first=Jonas |date=May 9, 2011 |title=Talk 'N Text finishes off Ginebra via come-from-behind overtime victory |url=http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20110509-335464/Talk-N-Text-finishes-off-Ginebra-via-come-from-behind-overtime-victory |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512230833/http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20110509-335464/Talk-N-Text-finishes-off-Ginebra-via-come-from-behind-overtime-victory |archive-date=May 12, 2011 |access-date=May 11, 2011 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]}}</ref> On April 3, 2025, ahead of the [[2025 PBA Philippine Cup|2025 Philippine Cup]], the franchise officially rebranded as '''TNT Tropang 5G'''.<ref name="Philstar49rebrand">{{cite news |date=April 3, 2025 |title=Newly crowned PBA champ TNT to sport new moniker |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2025/04/03/2433253/newly-crowned-pba-champ-tnt-sport-new-moniker |work=Philstar.com |archive-date=May 17, 2025 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250517131604/https://www.philstar.com/sports/2025/04/03/2433253/newly-crowned-pba-champ-tnt-sport-new-moniker |url-status=live }}</ref> To strengthen the roster, TNT acquired [[Jordan Heading]] from the [[Converge FiberXers]] on June 2, 2025, in exchange for the rights to [[Mikey Williams (basketball, born 1991)|Mikey Williams]], resolving a long-standing contract dispute.<ref>{{cite news |last=Villanueva |first=Ralph Edwin |date=June 2, 2025 |title=PBA okays Converge-TNT trade involving Heading, Williams |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2025/06/02/2447652/pba-okays-converge-tnt-trade-involving-heading-williams |work=Philstar.com |archive-date=June 3, 2025 |access-date=January 31, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250603163601/https://www.philstar.com/sports/2025/06/02/2447652/pba-okays-converge-tnt-trade-involving-heading-williams |url-status=live }}</ref> The team finished the elimination round with a 6–5 record (6th place). In the playoffs, TNT defeated the [[NLEX Road Warriors]], 2–1, in the quarterfinals and overcame [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters|Rain or Shine]], 4–2, in the semifinals.<ref name="Inquirer49ph">{{cite news |last=Dalupang |first=Denn |date=June 18, 2025 |title=TNT ousts NLEX, sets up third straight ROS semis duel |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/605753/tnt-ousts-nlex-sets-up-third-straight-ros-semis-duel |work=Inquirer.net}}</ref> This victory marked a historic milestone as TNT became the first team to eliminate the same opponent in the semifinals of all three conferences in a single season.<ref name="OneSports49ph">{{cite news |date=July 6, 2025 |title=TNT ousts Rain or Shine in Game 6, advances to Finals |url=https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/29122/tnt-rain-or-shine-run-it-back-for-philippine-cup-finals |work=One Sports}}</ref> In the Finals, a shorthanded TNT squad—hampered by injuries and the absence of [[Rey Nambatac]]—lost to the [[San Miguel Beermen]], 2–4, ending their bid for a rare Grand Slam on July 25, 2025.<ref name="Abante49ph">{{cite news |date=July 25, 2025 |title=San Miguel binulaga ang TNT Grand Slam bid |url=https://www.abante.com.ph/2025/07/25/san-miguel-binulaga-ang-tnt-grand-slam-bid/ |work=Abante News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 25, 2025 |title=SMB reclaims PBA Philippine Cup title, denies TNT a grand slam |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/smb-is-pba-philippine-cup-champion-denies-tnt-a-grand-slam-a795-20250725 |publisher=[[Spin.ph]]}}</ref>

Coming off a year of three Finals appearances, TNT Tropang 5G reinforced their roster for the [[2025–26 PBA season|2025–26 season]] by signing free agents Kevin Ferrer, Tyrus Hill, and [[Jio Jalalon]] to provide veteran depth and defensive versatility.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ballesteros |first=Jan |date=September 8, 2025 |title=Kevin Ferrer signs with TNT Tropang 5G ahead of PBA 50 |url=https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/35394/kevin-ferrer-signs-with-tnt-tropang-5g-ahead-of-pba-50 |work=One Sports |archive-date=September 12, 2025 |access-date=January 31, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250912204104/https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/35394/kevin-ferrer-signs-with-tnt-tropang-5g-ahead-of-pba-50 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TBT_Jalalon">{{cite news |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=October 4, 2025 |title=Jio Jalalon finds new home, signs with TNT |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/jiovani-jalalon-finds-new-home-signs-with-tnt/349853 |work=Tiebreaker Times}}</ref> Before the season began, TNT participated in the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship from September 29 to October 5, 2025, as an "all-Filipino" squad.<ref name="ADSC_Participants">{{cite news |date=September 22, 2025 |title=Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship Tips Off September 29 with Eight Clubs Competing |url=https://adsc.gov.ae/media-center/press-releases/abu-dhabi-international-basketball-championship-tips-off-september-29-with-eight-clubs-competing/ |work=Abu Dhabi Sports Council}}</ref> The team finished the group stage with a 1–2 record, securing a win against Al Dhafra (98–76) but falling to Al Sharjah and eventual champion Al Riyadi (94–53).<ref name="OneSports_Dhafra">{{cite news |last=Ballesteros |first=Jan |date=October 1, 2025 |title=TNT bounces back, blasts Al Dhafra for first win in Abu Dhabi Championship |url=https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/36259/tnt-bounces-back-blasts-al-dhafra-for-first-win-in-abu-dhabi-championship |work=One Sports}}</ref><ref name="TBT_Riyadi">{{cite news |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=October 2, 2025 |title=TNT wraps up Abu Dhabi stint with 1-2 record |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tnt-wraps-up-abu-dhabi-stint-with-1-2-record/349562 |work=Tiebreaker Times}}</ref> Upon their return, the PBA sanctioned the franchise for participating without formal league clearance.<ref name="OneSports_Riyadi">{{cite news |last=Ballesteros |first=Jan |date=October 2, 2025 |title=TNT gets boot in Abu Dhabi tourney after blowout loss to Al Riyadi |url=https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/36286/tnt-gets-boot-in-abu-dhabi-tourney-after-blowout-loss-to-al-riyadi |work=One Sports}}</ref> In the [[2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup|2025–26 Philippine Cup]], TNT finished the elimination round as the 3rd seed with an 8–3 record, led by the playmaking of [[Jordan Heading]] and Calvin Oftana. A key highlight included [[Kelly Williams]] hitting a career-high eight triples in an overtime victory against Terrafirma.<ref name="OneSports50">{{cite news |date=December 12, 2025 |title=Kelly Williams credits Chot's trust as he hits career-best 8 triples |url=https://www.onesports.ph/pba/article/36328/tnt-overcomes-terrafirma-in-ot |access-date=January 31, 2026 |work=OneSports.ph}}</ref> In the quarterfinals, TNT utilized its twice-to-beat advantage to eliminate the [[Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots]] in a single game, 118–109.<ref name="TBT50qf">{{cite news |date=January 4, 2026 |title=TNT repels Magnolia comeback, secures spot in PBA PH Cup semis |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tnt-repels-magnolia-comeback-secures-spot-in-pba-ph-cup-semis/361769 |work=Tiebreaker Times |archive-date=December 31, 2025 |access-date=January 31, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251231041432/https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tnt-repels-magnolia-comeback-secures-spot-in-pba-ph-cup-semis/361769 |url-status=live }}</ref> The team advanced to its fourth consecutive Finals after defeating the [[Meralco Bolts]], 4–1, in the semifinals. The series concluded with a 99–96 Game 5 victory, sealed by a crucial four-pointer from Rey Nambatac and a go-ahead layup by Heading.<ref name="Inquirer50s4">{{cite news |last=Fuertes |first=Rommel Jr. |date=January 11, 2026 |title=PBA: TNT shuts down Meralco for 3-1 semis lead |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/658128/pba-tnt-shuts-down-meralco-for-3-1-semis-lead |work=Inquirer.net}}</ref><ref name="ABSCBN50s5">{{cite news |last=Anzures |first=Rom |date=January 14, 2026 |title=PBA: TNT deals Meralco heartbreaking loss, punches All-Filipino Finals ticket |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/1/14/pba-tnt-deals-meralco-heartbreaking-loss-punches-all-filipino-finals-ticket-1949 |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref> In the Finals, TNT faced the [[San Miguel Beermen]] in a rematch. Despite winning Game 1 and rebounding to take Game 4, TNT lost the series 2–4 as San Miguel successfully defended the All-Filipino title.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 1, 2026 |title=PBA: San Miguel overwhelms TNT for 12th Philippine Cup title |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/974978/pba-50-philippine-cup-san-miguel-vs-tnt-finals-g6-february-1-2026/story/ |work=GMA News Online}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=February 1, 2026 |title=BACK-TO-BACK: San Miguel defends All-Filipino crown, triumphs over TNT |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/2/1/back-to-back-san-miguel-defends-all-filipino-crown-triumphs-over-tnt-2141 |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref>

TNT's plans for the [[2026 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2026 Commissioner's Cup]] were altered following the Achilles injury to [[Rondae Hollis-Jefferson]] during his stint in the EASL.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 10, 2025 |title=Rondae Hollis-Jefferson heads to US for Achilles surgery |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/rondae-hollis-jefferson-heads-to-us-for-achilles-surgery/359692 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |work=Tiebreaker Times}}</ref> In April 2025, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson signed 1-year "exclusive" contract with TNT. Just to give the 3-time Best Import awardee a long well-deserved rest. TNT allowed Hollis-Jefferson to play for [[Meralco Bolts]] for the EASL season.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 20, 2025 |title=TNT signs Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to 'exclusive' one-year contract |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/tnt-signs-rondae-hollis-jefferson-to-one-year-contract-a793-20250420 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |work=[[Spin.ph]] |archive-date=August 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250806085456/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/tnt-signs-rondae-hollis-jefferson-to-one-year-contract-a793-20250420 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=September 11, 2025 |title=Justin Brownlee, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson join forces for Meralco's EASL bid |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/rondae-hollis-jefferson-heads-to-us-for-achilles-surgery/359692 |access-date=February 4, 2026 |work=Tiebreaker Times}}</ref> On February 8, 2026, It was reported that [[Bol Bol]] was expected to sign with the team within two days which will be his first game outside the [[NBA]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bol Bol expected to sign TNT deal 'in two days' |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/bol-bol-expected-to-sign-tnt-deal-in-two-days-a800-20260208 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=[[Spin.ph]] |language=en}}</ref> On February 19, 2026, Bol arrived in Manila to play for the upcoming [[2026 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2026 PBA Commissioners Cup]] making him officially part of the team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LOOK: Bol Bol arrives to play for TNT in PBA Commissioner's Cup |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/look-bol-bol-arrives-to-play-for-tnt-in-pba-commissioner-s-cup-a795-20260219 |access-date=2026-02-19 |website=[[Spin.ph]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Current roster== {{main article|TNT Tropang 5G all-time roster}} {{TNT Tropang 5G roster}}

==Season-by-season records== ''List of the last five conferences completed by the TNT franchise. For the full-season history, see [[List of TNT Tropang 5G seasons]].''

'''''Note:''' GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, W–L% = Winning percentage'' {| class="wikitable" |- style="font-weight:bold; {{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}};" | Season || Conference || GP || W || L || W–L% || Finish || Playoffs |- | [[2023–24 PBA season|2023–24]] | [[2024 PBA Philippine Cup|Philippine]] | 11 || 6 || 5 || {{Winning percentage|6|5}} || 4th | Lost in quarterfinals vs. [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters|Rain or Shine]], 1–2 |- | rowspan=3 | [[2024–25 PBA season|2024–25]] | '''[[2024 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors']]''' | '''10''' || '''8''' || '''2''' || '''{{Winning percentage|8|2}}''' || '''1st (Group A)''' | '''[[2024 PBA Governors' Cup finals|PBA champions]], won vs. [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Barangay Ginebra]], 4–2''' |- | '''[[2024–25 PBA Commissioner's Cup|Commissioner's]]''' | '''12''' || '''8''' || '''4''' || '''{{Winning percentage|8|4}}''' || '''2nd''' | '''[[2024–25 PBA Commissioner's Cup finals|PBA champions]], won vs. [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Barangay Ginebra]], 4–3''' |- | [[2025 PBA Philippine Cup|Philippine]] | 11 || 6 || 5 || {{Winning percentage|6|5}} || 6th | Lost in [[2025 PBA Philippine Cup finals|finals]] vs. [[San Miguel Beermen|San Miguel]], 2–4 |- | [[2025–26 PBA season|2025–26]] | [[2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup|Philippine]] | 11 || 8 || 3 || {{Winning percentage|8|3}} || 3rd | Lost in [[2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup finals|finals]] vs. [[San Miguel Beermen|San Miguel]], 2–4 |- | colspan=8 align=center | {{small|An asterisk (*) indicates one-game playoff; two asterisks (**) indicates team with twice-to-beat advantage}} |}

==Awards==

===Individual awards=== {| class=wikitable |- ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | PBA Most Valuable Player ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | Finals MVP ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | PBA Best Player of the Conference |- | valign="top" | * [[Asi Taulava]] - 2003 * [[Jimmy Alapag]] - 2010-11 | valign="top" | * [[Asi Taulava]] - 2003 All-Filipino * [[Mark Cardona]] - 2008-09 Philippine * [[Jimmy Alapag]] - 2010-11 Philippine, 2010-11 Commissioner's * [[Jayson Castro]] - 2010-11 Philippine, 2010-11 Commissioner's, 2024 Governors' * [[Larry Fonacier]] - 2011-12 Philippine * [[Ranidel de Ocampo]] - 2012-13 Philippine, 2014-15 Commissioner's * [[Mikey Williams (basketball, born 1991)|Mikey Williams]] - 2021 Philippine, 2023 Governors' * [[Rey Nambatac]] - 2024–25 Commissioner's | valign="top" | * [[Asi Taulava]] - 2003 All-Filipino * [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] - 2004-05 Fiesta * [[Mark Cardona]] - 2006-07 Fiesta * [[Jimmy Alapag]] - 2010-11 Commissioner's * [[Jayson Castro]] - 2012-13 Philippine, 2013-14 Commissioner's, 2014-15 Commissioner's, 2015-16 Governors', 2019 Commissioner's * [[Ranidel de Ocampo]] - 2013-14 Governors' |- ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | PBA Rookie of the Year Award ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | PBA All-Defensive Team ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | PBA Mythical First Team |- | valign="top" | * [[Andy Seigle]] - 1997 * [[Jimmy Alapag]] - 2003 * [[Roger Pogoy]] - 2016-17 * [[Mikey Williams (basketball, born 1991)|Mikey Williams]] - 2021 | valign="top" | * [[Glenn Capacio]] - 1998 * [[Patrick Fran]] - 1998, 2001, 2003 * [[Asi Taulava]] - 2003 * [[Harvey Carey]] - 2006-07 * [[Ryan Reyes]] - 2009-12 * [[Kelly Williams]] - 2021 * [[Glenn Khobuntin]] - 2024–25 | valign="top" | * [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] - 1999 * [[Victor Pablo]] - 2002 * [[Jimmy Alapag]] - 2003, 2004–05, 2010–11 * [[Asi Taulava]] - 2003 * [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] - 2004-05 * [[Jay Washington]] - 2006-07 * [[Mark Cardona]] - 2008-09 * [[Kelly Williams]] - 2010-11 * [[Ranidel de Ocampo]] - 2011-14 * [[Jayson Castro]] - 2012-16, 2019 * [[Poy Erram]] - 2020 * [[Mikey Williams (basketball, born 1991)|Mikey Williams]] - 2021 * [[Calvin Oftana]] - 2024–25 |- ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | PBA Mythical Second Team ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | PBA Most Improved Player ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | PBA Sportsmanship Award |- | valign="top" | * [[Asi Taulava]] - 2002 * Gilbert Demape - 2002 * [[Harvey Carey]] - 2003 * [[Mark Telan]] - 2004-05 * [[Mark Cardona]] - 2006-07, 2009–10 * [[Yancy de Ocampo]] - 2006-07 * [[Kelly Williams]] - 2009-10, 2011–12, 2016–17 * [[Jayson Castro]] - 2010-12, 2016–17 * [[Ali Peek]] - 2010-11 * [[Ranidel de Ocampo]] - 2014-15 * [[Roger Pogoy]] - 2019, 2024–25 * [[Troy Rosario]] - 2019 * [[Mikey Williams (basketball, born 1991)|Mikey Williams]] - 2022–23 * [[Calvin Oftana]] - 2022–24 | valign="top" | * [[Patrick Fran]] - 1998 * [[Jayson Castro]] - 2010-11 | valign="top" | * [[Patrick Fran]] - 2003 * [[Ali Peek]] - 2007-08 |- ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | PBA Best Import ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | |- | valign="top" | * Ronnie Coleman - 1994 Governors' * Silas Mills - 1998 Governors' * [[Jerald Honeycutt]] - 2002 Commissioner's, 2004–05 Fiesta * [[Richard Howell (basketball)|Richard Howell]] - 2013-14 Commissioner's * [[Terrence Jones]] - 2019 Commissioner's * [[Rondae Hollis-Jefferson]] - 2023 Governors', 2024 Governors', 2024–25 Commissioner's | valign="top" |

| valign="top" |

===PBA Press Corps Individual Awards=== {| class=wikitable |- ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | Executive of the Year ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | Defensive Player of the Year |- | valign="top" | * [[Manny Pangilinan]] - 2003, 2010–11 * [[Ricky Vargas]] - 2006-07, 2019 * Patrick Gregorio - 2014-15 * [[Jojo Lastimosa]] - 2022-23 | valign="top" | * [[Chot Reyes]] - 2008-09, 2010–11, 2021 | valign="top" | |- ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | Mr. Quality Minutes ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | All-Rookie Team |- | valign="top" | * [[Glenn Capacio]] - 1998 * [[Kelly Williams]] - 2009-10, 2016–17 | valign="top" | * [[Jayson Castro]] - 2008-09, 2010–11 * [[Larry Fonacier]] - 2011-12 | valign="top" | * [[Jared Dillinger]] - 2008-09 * [[Matt Ganuelas-Rosser]] - 2014-15 * [[Troy Rosario]] - 2015-16 * [[Roger Pogoy]] - 2016-17 * [[Bobby Ray Parks Jr.]] - 2019 * [[Mikey Williams (basketball, born 1991)|Mikey Williams]] - 2021 |}

===All-Star Weekend=== {| class=wikitable |- ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | All Star MVP ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | Obstacle Challenge ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | Three-point Shootout |- | valign="top" | * [[Asi Taulava]] & [[Jimmy Alapag]] - 2004 * [[Asi Taulava]] - 2006 * [[Troy Rosario]] - 2017 Mindanao * [[Terrence Romeo]] - 2018 Luzon | valign="top" | * Tonyboy Espinosa - 1997-1998 * [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] - 2006 * [[Dave Marcelo]] - 2023 | valign="top" | * [[Jimmy Alapag]] - 2003, 2005 * [[Renren Ritualo]] - 2008 * [[Calvin Oftana]] - 2024 |- ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | Slam Dunk Contest ! style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | All Star Selection |- | valign="top" | * [[Victor Pablo]] - 1994 * [[Don Camaso]] - 2000 * [[Kelly Williams]] - 2011 | valign="top" | '''1991''' * [[Manny Victorino]] '''1992''' * [[Abet Guidaben]] * Manny Victorino '''1993''' * Abet Guidaben * [[Victor Pablo]] '''1994''' * [[Boy Cabahug]] * Victor Pablo * [[Dindo Pumaren]] '''1995''' * Dwight Lago * Dindo Pumaren * [[Alvin Teng]] '''1997''' * [[Jeffrey Cariaso]] * [[Andy Seigle]] '''1999''' * Jeffrey Cariaso * [[Jerry Codiñera]] * [[Patrick Fran]] * [[Asi Taulava]] '''2000''' * [[Gherome Ejercito]] '''2001''' * Gherome Ejercito * Asi Taulava '''2003''' * [[Jimmy Alapag]] * Asi Taulava '''2004''' * Jimmy Alapag * [[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] * Asi Taulava '''2005''' * Jimmy Alapag * Asi Taulava '''2006''' * Jimmy Alapag * Asi Taulava '''2007''' * Jimmy Alapag * Asi Taulava * [[Mark Cardona]] '''2008''' * Jimmy Alapag * Mark Cardona '''2009''' * Jimmy Alapag * Mark Cardona * [[Ranidel de Ocampo]] * [[Jared Dillinger]] * Tiras Wade (import) '''2010''' * Jimmy Alapag * Mark Cardona * Ranidel de Ocampo * [[Ryan Reyes]] * [[Kelly Williams]] '''2011''' * Jimmy Alapag * [[Harvey Carey]] * Ranidel de Ocampo * Kelly Williams '''2013''' * Jimmy Alapag - did not play * [[Jayson Castro]] * Ranidel de Ocampo * [[Larry Fonacier]] '''2014''' * Jimmy Alapag * Jayson Castro * [[KG Canaleta]] * Ranidel de Ocampo * [[Larry Fonacier]] '''2015''' * Jimmy Alapag * Jayson Castro * Ranidel de Ocampo '''2016''' * Jayson Castro * Ranidel de Ocampo * [[Troy Rosario]] '''2017''' * Jayson Castro * Ranidel de Ocampo * [[RR Pogoy]] * Troy Rosario * [[Moala Tautuaa]] '''2018''' * Jayson Castro * [[Jericho Cruz]] * [[RR Garcia]] * RR Pogoy * [[Terrence Romeo]] * Troy Rosario '''2019''' * Jayson Castro * RR Pogoy * Troy Rosario '''2023''' * Jayson Castro * [[Calvin Oftana]] * RR Pogoy * [[Mikey Williams (basketball, born 1991)|Mikey Williams]] '''2024''' * Jayson Castro * Calvin Oftana * RR Pogoy |}

==Notable players==

===Members of the PBA's 40 greatest players===  {{Main article|40 Greatest Players in PBA History}} *[[Jerry Codiñera]] – played for Mobiline from 1999 to 2001 *[[Abet Guidaben|Alberto Guidaben]] – played for Pepsi/7-Up from 1990 to 1993 *[[Vergel Meneses]] – played for Talk 'N Text on 2006 *[[Willie Miller (basketball)|Willie Miller]] – played for Talk 'N Text from 2004 to 2006 season and then return at 2015 Commissioners Cup *[[Asi Taulava]] – played for Talk 'N Text Phone Pals from 1999 to 2007 *[[Kelly Williams]] – played for Talk 'N Text from 2010 to present *[[Jimmy Alapag]] – played for Talk 'N Text from 2003 to 2015 *[[Jayson Castro]] – played for Talk 'N Text from 2008 to present

===Retired numbers=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | colspan="4" style="{{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | '''TNT Tropang 5G retired number''' |- ! style="{{PBA color cell2|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" | N° ! style="{{PBA color cell2|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" |Player ! style="{{PBA color cell2|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" |Position ! style="{{PBA color cell2|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}" |Tenure |- | '''3''' || [[Jimmy Alapag]] || [[Point guard|PG]] || 2003–2015{{ref label|Note1|a|a}} |- | '''4''' || [[Harvey Carey]] || [[Power forward (basketball)|PF]]/[[Small forward|SF]] || 2003–2020{{ref label|Note2|b|b}} |- | '''33''' || [[Ranidel de Ocampo]] || [[Power forward (basketball)|PF]]/[[Small forward|SF]] || 2008–2017{{ref label|Note3|c|c}} |- |} * {{note label|Note1|a|a}} – The Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters retired the [[jersey number]] of [[Jimmy Alapag]] during the [[2015 PBA All-Star Weekend]], where he was added as the 13th man of the South All-Stars.<ref>{{cite web |last=Badua |first=Snow |date=January 30, 2015 |title=Fitting curtain call as Salud names Jimmy Alapag '13th man' of South team in PBA All-Stars |url=http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/jimmy-alapag-to-play-in-pba-all-star-game-as-13th-man-of-south-team-farewell-game-fitting-sendoff |website=[[Spin.ph]]}}</ref> * {{note label|Note2|b|b}} – The TNT Tropang Giga retired the jersey number of [[Harvey Carey]] on June 28, 2023, during a preseason "PBA on Tour" game.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 28, 2023 |title=PBA: TNT retires Harvey Carey's No. 4 jersey |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/28/23/pba-tnt-retires-harvey-careys-no-4-jersey |access-date=June 28, 2023 |work=news.abs-cbn.com}}</ref> * {{note label|Note3|c|c}} –The TNT Tropang 5G retired the jersey number of [[Ranidel de Ocampo]] on January 9, 2026, during the Game 3 of the semifinals of [[2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Terrado |first=Reuben |date=January 9, 2026 |title=For RDO, serving the country will always be the highest of honors |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/for-rdo-serving-the-country-will-always-be-the-highest-of-honors-a795-20260109 |access-date=January 11, 2026 |work=[[Spin.ph]]}}</ref>

==Head coaches== {| class="wikitable" ! rowspan="2" | Name ! rowspan="2" | Start ! rowspan="2" | End ! rowspan="2" | Seasons ! colspan="4" | Overall record ! rowspan="2" | Best finish |- ! W !! L !! PCT !! G |- | '''[[Edgardo Ocampo|Ed Ocampo]]''' || [[1990 PBA First Conference|1990]] || [[1991 PBA All-Filipino Conference|1991]] || 2 || 9 || 43 || .173 || 52 || Eliminations |- | '''[[Derrick Pumaren]]''' || [[1991 PBA Third Conference|1991]] || [[1993 PBA Commissioner's Cup|1993]] || 3 || 47 || 50 || .484 || 97 || bgcolor=#D0E7FF|Finals |- | '''[[Yeng Guiao]]''' || [[1995 PBA All-Filipino Cup|1995]] || [[1996 PBA Governors Cup|1996]] || 2 || 14 || 51 || .215 || 65 || bgcolor=#DDFFDD|Semifinals |- | '''[[Tommy Manotoc]]''' || [[1997 PBA Governors Cup|1997]] || [[1998 PBA Commissioner's Cup|1998]] || 2 || 16 || 22 || .421 || 38 || bgcolor=#DDFFDD|Semifinals |- | '''[[Eric Altamirano]]''' || [[1998 PBA Centennial Cup|1998]] || [[2000 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2000]] || 3 || 50 || 51 || .495 || 101 || bgcolor=#FFE6BD|Champions |- | '''[[Louie Alas]]''' || [[2000 PBA Governors Cup|2000]] || [[2001 PBA Governors Cup|2001]] || 2 || 27 || 30 || .473 || 57 || bgcolor=#DDFFDD|Semifinals |- | '''[[Bill Bayno]]''' || [[2002 PBA Governors Cup|2002]] || [[2002 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2002]] || 1 || 22 || 15 || .594 || 37 || bgcolor=#D0E7FF|Finals |- | '''[[Paul Woolpert]]''' || [[2002 PBA All-Filipino Cup|2002]] || [[2002 PBA All-Filipino Cup|2002]] || 1 || 5 || 5 || .500 || 10 || Quarterfinals |- | '''[[Joel Banal]]''' || [[2003 PBA All-Filipino Cup|2003]] || [[2005 PBA Fiesta Conference|2005]] || 3 || 80 || 54 || .597 || 134 || bgcolor=#FFE6BD|Champions |- | rowspan=3| '''[[Derrick Pumaren]]''' || [[1993 PBA Governors Cup|1993]] || [[1994 PBA Governors Cup|1994]] || 2 || 31 || 36 || .462 || 67 || bgcolor=#DDFFDD|Semifinals |- | [[1997 PBA Commissioner's Cup|1997]] || [[1997 PBA Commissioner's Cup|1997]] || 1 || 4 || 6 || .400 || 10 || Eliminations |- | [[2005-06 PBA Fiesta Conference|2005]] || [[2008 PBA Fiesta Conference|2008]] || 4 || 73 || 70 || .510 || 143 || bgcolor=#D0E7FF|Finals |- | '''[[Chot Reyes]]''' || [[2008–09 PBA Philippine Cup|2008]] || [[2012 PBA Governors Cup|2012]] || 5 || 145 || 77 || .653 || 222 || bgcolor=#FFE6BD|Champions |- | rowspan=2|'''[[Norman Black]]''' || [[1997 PBA All-Filipino Cup|1997]] || [[1997 PBA All-Filipino Cup|1997]] || 1 || 9 || 13 || .409 || 22 || bgcolor=#DDFFDD|Semifinals |- | [[2012–13 PBA Philippine Cup|2012]] || [[2014 PBA Governors' Cup|2014]] || 2 || 68 || 37 || .648 || 105 || bgcolor=#FFE6BD|Champions |- | '''[[Jong Uichico]]''' || [[2014–15 PBA Philippine Cup|2014]] || [[2016–17 PBA Philippine Cup|2016]] || 2 || 61 || 41 || .598 || 102 || bgcolor=#FFE6BD|Champions |- | '''[[Nash Racela]]''' || [[2016–17 PBA Philippine Cup|2016]] || [[2018 PBA Governors' Cup|2018]] || 2 || 51 || 41 || .554 || 92 || bgcolor=#D0E7FF|Finals |- | '''[[Eric Gonzales]]''' || [[2018 PBA Governors' Cup|2018]] || [[2018 PBA Governors' Cup|2018]] || 1 || 1 || 0 || 1.000 || 1 || Eliminations |- | '''[[Bong Ravena]]''' || [[2018 PBA Governors' Cup|2018]] || [[2020 PBA Philippine Cup|2020]] || 3 || 49 || 32 || .605 || 81 || bgcolor=#D0E7FF|Finals |- | '''[[Chot Reyes]]''' || [[2021 PBA Philippine Cup|2021]] || Incumbent || || || || || || |- |}

==References== {{reflist}}

{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-ach}}}} {{succession box | before = (first) | after = (last) | title = [[1998 PBA Centennial Cup|PBA Centennial Cup]] Champions | years = [[1998 PBA Centennial Cup|1998]] }} {{succession box | before = [[Coca-Cola Tigers]] [[Sta. Lucia Realtors]] [[B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados|Purefoods Tender Juicy]] (same) (same) [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel]] | after = [[Barangay Ginebra Kings]] [[B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados|Purefoods Tender Juicy]] (same) (same) [[San Mig Super Coffee Mixers]] [[San Miguel Beermen]] | title = [[PBA Philippine Cup|PBA All-Filipino/Philippine Cup]] Champions | years = [[2003 PBA season|2003]] [[2008–09 PBA season|2008–09]] [[2010–11 PBA season|2010–11]] [[2011–12 PBA season|2011–12]] [[2012–13 PBA season|2012–13]] [[2021 PBA season|2021]] }} {{Succession box | before = [[Barako Bull Energy Boosters|Red Bull Thunder]] [[San Mig Super Coffee Mixers]] [[San Miguel Beermen]] | after = [[B-Meg Llamados]] [[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters]] (last) | title = [[PBA Commissioner's Cup]] Champions | years = [[2010-11 PBA season|2011]] [[2014–15 PBA season|2015]] [[2024–25 PBA season|2024–25]] }} {{Succession box | before = [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel]] (same) | after = (same) (last) | title = [[PBA Governors' Cup]] Champions | years = [[2022–23 PBA season|2023]] [[2024–25 PBA season|2024]] }} {{s-end}}

{{TNT Tropang 5G}} {{Navboxes|titlestyle={{PBA color cell|TNT Tropang 5G|border=2}}|list= {{TNT Tropang 5G seasons}} {{TNT Tropang 5G current roster}} {{navboxes|title=Championship Navigation Boxes|titlestyle={{basketball primary style|TNT Tropang 5G}}|list= {{Talk 'N Text Phone Pals 2003 PBA All-Filipino Cup Champions}} {{Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters 2008-09 PBA Philippine Cup Champions}} {{Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters 2010-11 PBA Philippine Cup Champions}} {{Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters 2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup Champions}} {{Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup Champions}} {{Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters 2012-13 PBA Philippine Cup Champions}} {{Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters 2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup Champions}} {{TNT Tropang Giga 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Champions}} {{TNT Tropang Giga 2023 PBA Governors' Cup Champions}} {{TNT Tropang Giga 2024 PBA Governors' Cup Champions}} {{TNT Tropang Giga 2024–25 PBA Commissioner's Cup Champions}} }} {{Philippine Basketball Association navbox}} {{East Asia Super League}} }}

[[Category:TNT Tropang 5G| ]] [[Category:1990 establishments in the Philippines]] [[Category:Basketball teams established in 1990]] [[Category:East Asia Super League teams]]