When the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings face the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, they expect to meet a team that is totally different from the one they defeated on opening day.
“We’re gonna see a really, really good team come Tuesday,” head coach Jeff Cariaso said. “We know we should bring nothing but our A-Game.”
LA Tenorio and Joseph Yeo, two members of the Gin Kings’ backcourt, are convinced they’re in for a tougher test against a streaking Talk ‘N Text squad that has just won its last five games. “Ibang-iba na sila sa team na nakalaro namin on opening day. This is the playoffs and alam naman natin ang Talk ‘N Text pagdating ng playoffs dito sila magaling,” added Tenorio.
Even before he joined the Gin Kings, Tenorio had seen how Talk ‘N Text dominated the league, winning five championships in a span of four seasons.
Yeo, in search of his first title since winning in 2011, believes that the real test for the Gin Kings will be the game against the Tropang Texters and a win would give them a better opportunity to make it to the championship round even if there’s another solid opponent in their way in the semifinal round.
“This is the real test. Kapag nakalagpas kami rito magiging mas maganda tsansa namin,” added Yeo.
Return to glory
Talk ‘N Text has had a rich winning reputation from top to bottom. From the players to the coaches, all of them are winners. Jong Uichico has won eight PBA championships and is one of the most successful coaches in the league, but he has not won a title since the 2008 Fiesta Conference.
When he joined the Tropang Texters squad, the multi-titled mentor was aware of the expectations.
“Bottom line, our main goal is to win the championship,” said Uichico. “It’s good to see your team improving every game, but it’s nothing if you don’t win the championship.”
For the veteran-laden squad, this could be a great opportunity to make another serious run for the crown and with the addition of two newcomers – Kevin Alas and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and another blue chip player in Jay Washington, it looks like the Tropang Texters are headed towards the right direction.
