Texters coach Reyes eyes Grand Slam in PBA's 36th season

Despite an expected shortage in firepower early in the 36th season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Talk `N Text coach Chot Reyes believes that the Tropang Texters have a good shot at winning a rare Grand Slam. “Of course, we will be trying to win the Grand Slam this season, to join only three other teams that have so far succeeded in scoring a sweep of all three tournaments," he said. The ambitious goal has been set notwithstanding the fact that the team stands to lose two of its key players and Reyes himself for the national cause. Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes are likely to be loaned to the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national developmental squad bound for the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, where Chot will also be part of the coaching staff as special assistant to Serbian mentor Rajko Toroman. The Guangzhou Asiad is set from November 12 to 27, by which time the season-opening PBA Philippine Cup would already be underway. Likewise, the telecommunications franchise is set to miss the services of shooting big man Ranidel de Ocampo, who recently went under the knife to remove bone spurs in his feet. The prospect of winning a coveted Grand Slam became possible when the league reverted to its former three-conference format. Only three teams in the 36-year history of Asia’s oldest pro league have achieved the exceptional feat of sweeping all three conference titles in a season. The legendary Crispa Redmanizers were the only team to do the trick twice, in 1976 and 1983, while San Miguel and Alaska did it in 1989 and 1996, respectively. For Talk `N Text to have a shot at it, Reyes said it is imperative that the Tropang Texters first win the All-Filipino tournament. “First things first, we have to win the most prestigious All-Filipino title to pave the way for a possible Grand Slam," said Reyes, who won the same conference for the franchise last year. The departure of big-time scorer MacMac Cardona – traded by the Tropang Texters in a four-player, three-team deal that also involved Air21 and sister squad Meralco, is definitely a big loss to Talk `N Text, Reyes admitted. But the acquisition of former Ateneo teammates Larry Fonacier and Rich Alvarez will be of big help to Talk `N Text’s Grand Slam bid. “Of course, MacMac’s departure created a big hole in our offense, but I believe Larry (Fonacier) will not only fill in the gap, but likewise strengthen our outside shooting," said the Talk `N Text coach. “Besides, Larry is a better defender than MacMac," added Reyes. As part of the team’s build-up for the coming PBA season that kicks off on October 3, the Tropang Texters are leaving for the Middle East on September 18 to compete in the Qatar Invitational Championship. The four-nation meet will feature the national team of Qatar and the national training pools of Slovenia and France. – JVP/KY, GMANews.TV