Mark Dickel has parted ways with TNT after two years of serving as an active consultant of the team.

The KaTropa bared the development on Saturday, February 13 after announcing Chot Reyes will return as head coach of the team that is looking to end its six-year title drought.

A two-time Olympian as a player, Dickel joined TNT more than two years ago as a consultant following his head coaching stints for Albania and the Canterbury Rams in the National Basketball League of New Zealand.

He helped the franchise reach the PBA finals twice over the last seasons.

TNT came close to winning its first championship since 2015 last season but fell short of the Philippine Cup crown to Barangay Ginebra no thanks to injuries of its star players.

“We wish him well as he moves on to new endeavors,” said TNT governor and PBA chairman Ricky Vargas in a statement.

Vargas said Reyes wanted Dickel to keep his role as team consultant but the Kiwi tactician chose to pursue other opportunities and recover from his recent operation.

Dickel also coached Gilas Pilipinas in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers, guiding the national team to a 30-point win over Indonesia.

With its core from last season still intact, TNT is expected to once again contend for the All-Filipino crown in the upcoming PBA season slated to kick off in April. – Rappler.com