Texters not excited on PBA's modern-day Grand Slam

The Talk `N Text Tropang Texters are not thinking that far ahead, that is, going for a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Grand Slam. They’d rather take things one championship at a time. After running away with the Philippine Cup crown, the telecommunication franchise is looking forward to a big follow-up to its All-Filipino success — by taking another shot a championship in the Commissioner’s Cup that kicks off on Feb. 18. “Ako kasi I’m a matakaw na person. Once you get a taste of victory you become addicted to it. You never get satisfied," said coach Chot Reyes, facing media men for the first time since the telecommunications franchise clinched the All-Filipino title by whipping San Miguel Beer, 95-82, in Game 6 of their best-of-seven title series last week. “Inside the dugout after winning the Philippine Cup, I just told the players one word – better. And I mean telling the players how to get better and not just get content by simply playing in the second conference." Jimmy Alapag, who joined his mentor and co-Finals MVP Jason Castro in the PSA Forum Tuesday, said, “Without a doubt, there’s still a lot of hunger. You don’t want to relax, you don’t want to be contented. Yes, you cherish the (championship) feeling, but once it’s over, you get back and compete again." Castro added, “Oo naman, gutom pa rin kami. `Yun naman ang mentality ng team ever since." But winning what many consider as the centerpiece jewel of a Grandslam title won’t make Reyes fall into a sense of security — that the Tropang Texters are capable of completing a sweep of all three conferences this season. “We’re not thinking of that (Grand Slam) at all. Our focus right now is on the second conference. Our priority is to have a strong start, get our feet on the ground and start running," he said. Asia’s pioneering pro league reverted to its old program of hosting three conferences in a season under the term of new commissioner Atty. Chito Salud beginning the 36th season. Alaska was the last team to accomplish a PBA Grandslam in 1996. Before Alaska, the legendary Crispa Redmanizers won triple crowns twice — in 1976 and 1983 — and the Beermen in 1989. As with the Philippine Cup, gunning for another title won’t be easy again, Reyes acknowledged. For one, the Tropang Texters only have two weeks to savor their victory and get acquainted with their import Paul Harris, the former Syracuse stalwart who was a second All-American team member in 2006 during his high school years. “It’s basically just a one-week break for us because we start practicing on Valentine’s Day. That’s a very short vacation," said Reyes in his radiant blue and yellow Talk `N Text jacket. “But it is what it is. We’re prepared for it. We’re recharging right now and hope to make it deep into the tournament," added the coach who recently tied Tommy Manotoc for fourth place in the all-time winning list with six championships in all. Reyes also made history by becoming the only coach to win at least two championships with three different teams. He won his first two with Purefoods — in the 1993 All-Filipino, in his rookie year, and the 1994 Commissioner's Cup. The former all-pro national team mentor also won two crowns with Coca-Cola in the 2002 All-Filipino and 2003 Reinforced Conference. For all the titles it has won – three overall – the team owned by Manny V. Pangilinan has yet to win an import-laden tournament, something which Alapag is longing for, as he and Harvey Carey are the only members left of the Talk `N Text squad which won the franchise’s breakthrough title in 2003. Reyes admitted he’s not much into it, although the former national coach said a back-to-back championship is one thing that is missing in his decorated coaching career. “I’ve been in the finals four straight times during my time with Coca-Cola, but never won a back-to-back title before. Maybe that’s something to inspire me," he said. The Tropang Texters' chances of winning a second straight title depends on how Harris blends with a team which Reyes described as one `with a perfectly balanced lineup.’ “Hopefully, we strike a jackpot in Paul Harris," said Reyes of his import whom he said is `an excellent defender, has the ability to get rebounds, and ability to play the power forward.’ “He may be the best defensive import we might see to have played here." - KY, RCJ, GMA News