B-Meg rookie coach Gallent remains optimistic

Chot Reyes is a three-time Coach of the Year awardee with five championships to his credit, but rookie PBA coach Jorge Gallent is convinced he can compete with the veteran mentor. Gallent is raring to battle, hopeful of keeping B-MEG Derby Ace on course for possible back-to-back PBA Philippine Cup championships. Observers say Reyes’ rich experience could be a big factor for Talk N Text in this long best-of-seven semifinal series. Gallent, however, is undaunted. “I think I have had enough experience playing and winning six championships in the PBL. Siguro kung isa o dalawa lang baka kulang. But I think six should be enough for me to compete even in a higher level," said Gallent. “I have the experience in the amateurs. I guess I just have to bring it to the PBA," added Gallent, victorious in each of the six finals tournaments when he coached Harbour Centre in the PBL. Overall, the Llamados are in the running for a sixth all-Filipino crown, and will have a chance to match the record of the fabled Crispa Redmanizers for most number of All-Filipino titles. Gallent is also on track for a Cinderella finish, a feat that will put him in the vaunted company of Reyes, Eric Altamirano and Ryan Gregorio (Purefoods), Narciso Bernardo (Crispa), and Joel Banal (Talk N Text). Gallent, however, isn’t looking beyond Reyes and his Tropang Texters. Beaten in Game One, Gallent and his troops go for an equalizer in Game Two at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. On the same day, San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra start their own best-of-seven semis duel. Gallent is upbeat despite injuries to key players and their Game One defeat. “We had a chance to win in the end in Game One. It showed we can beat Talk N Text," said Gallent. “We just have to play our game, play our roles and stop their key player. If we do that, we have a good chance to win," Gallent added. - KY, RCJ, GMANews.TV