Talk N Text: Destined for greatness

Now just two wins away from the Governor's Cup championship and the coveted Grand Slam, Talk N Text looks more and more like the team of the new decade.

Not only does it enjoy the full support of Manny V. Pangilinan (whose name simply cannot be NOT mentioned on any championship caliber Filipino sports team), but they were also able to build around mostly young talent while keeping their heart and soul in the "Mighty Mouse" Jimmy Alapag (who is ripe for an MVP title-- hell, if Jayjay Helterbrand can get one, why not the best PG in the Philippines today?).

From the outside looking in, head coach Chot Reyes has always pushed for an uptempo style of basketball anchored on pesky, all-out hustle on the defensive end. He has utilized former MVP Kelly Williams' athleticism to the hilt, like a modern day Rudy Hatfield with more height and hops. Alapag will always be Alapag, and the young guards Jason Castro and Ryan Reyes are ready to take over the PBA as the new 1-2 punch a la Helterbrand-Mark Caguioa of Ginebra (once Alapag retires of course).

Once the Smart Gilas project ends, or gets new pieces all over the world, then we can expect to throw in Japeth Aguilar in there. Yes, he still has the post game of Rafi Reavis, and yes, we'll probably never be able to convince him to play as a traditional center, but in the ra-ra game played in the PBA, he'll be just fine and dominate on the offensive end.

Win or lose, TNT will be a contender for the next two or three years barring any injuries, lopsided trades or MVP going bankrupt (not a chance).