BORACAY, Philippines – Talk ’N Text wasted no time training for the Governors’ Cup, taking advantage of its trip to this island to break its import who joined the squad today as the team started its PBA grand slam quest in earnest.
The Tropang Texters have had an extended celebration after winning the Commissioner’s Cup two weeks ago, their second straight title, giving them a chance to win a rare grand slam.
The team had previously won the Philippine Cup, the opening conference of the league, and capturing the grand slam has taken precedence over all other options for the team.
It is for this reason that the Texters, who are supposed to simply enjoy the beguiling attractions of this island, have incorporated training with recreation as the rest of the players joined their teammates who participated in the All-Star game and other PBA activities.
Texter Kelly Williams won his second slam dunk title in four years, then took part in the All-Star game with teammates Jimmy Alapag for the South while Harvey Carey and Ranidel de Ocampo suiting up for the North.
TNT coach Chot Reyes also called the shots for the South All-Stars, which lost to the North under Petron Blaze’s Ato Agustin, 133-129, last Sunday.
The Texters jogged in the morning and the coaching staff set an afternoon practice with import Maurice Baker, who is expected to arrive tomorrow.
Baker, according to Reyes, was tapped after their first choice Quincy Douby got an invitation from the NBA Veteran’s Camp, while their second prospect Scottie Reynolds sustained an injury in a recent game abroad.
Talk ’N Text also tried to acquire NBA Development League MVP Curtis Stinson of the Iowa Energy, but Barangay Ginebra beat it to the draw and got the high-scoring import instead. Baker also played in the D-League with the Dakota Wizards.
“To tell the truth, I don’t have any idea about our import. We just decided to fly in the best available player who stands 6-foot-2,” said Reyes, referring to the allowed reinforcement they can get this conference.
“We’re scrapping the bottom of the barrel. We’re hoping that he can help us,” added Reyes, whose team is set to face Ginebra and B-Meg in Dubai on June 2 and 3, although the trip might be cancelled by the PBA.
“We’re rushing because we’re working on the June 2 opening,” Reyes said.
Reyes also expressed his gratitude to the PBA Board of Governors as well as to Commissioner Chito Salud allowing Alapag and Williams to play with TNT in the Governors’ Cup before joining the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas team.
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