Tropang Texters' cause for concern

Jayson Castro and the rest of the Texters need a break. Bad.

After enjoying its most successful season in franchise history, the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters find themselves falling like dominoes one after another in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup. Despite carrying an enviable 6-1 win loss slate early in the eliminations, the chances of the Texters making it back to the Finals are slim to none.

Right off the bat, last year's "almost a grand slam" key drivers Jimmy Alapag, Ryan Reyes, Ranidel de Ocampo and Jayson Castro were either legitimately hurt or slow to recuperate. This has forced head coach Chot Reyes to rely on his deep bench, where "stars on hold" Larry Fonacier and Jarred Dillinger were simply waiting their turn on the hard court. Ali Peek and Harvey Carey also enjoyed more minutes, as did 6"9 SMART Gilas recruit Japeth Aguilar.

The team was winning more on superb team effort rather than talent, and the guys who were getting minutes on the floor were able to develop good rhythms (primarily because they played for so long and weren't in fear of being pulled out the minute they committed a turnover). Not to say that the 2nd guys aren't as good, but there's a reason why guys start and others come off the bench (with Ginebra being the mind-boggling exception no thanks to its "confused" coaching staff). Then came the unfortunate incident with Peek which was followed by a suspected season-ending an injury for Ryan Reyes (ACL or MCL).

Right off the bat, that leaves the Texters with rookie PG Pamboy Raymundo at PG, Fonacier at SG, Dillinger at SF, Carey at PF and Aguilar at C. Still a quality basketball five by all standards, but perhaps a little weak firepower and experience wise.

Should the team consider trading up? This writer doesn't think so, not with Dillinger and Aguilar's recent performances. Perhaps they could add a quality banger/ enforcer while Peek recovers from injury. We all know that if there's one thing this team clearly lacked in last conference's Finals showdown with Petron, it's having guys to protect their bevy of pesky guards.

If there's any truth that Ryan Reyes' season is as good as done If Reyes is shelved until the next round, THEN the Texters should definitely add another guard (hey, heard there's an uprising within the Ginebra security agency ranks).

Right now, the Texters are clearly running on fumes and needs to get plenty of rest. Jayson Castro needs to be on paid vacation leave for at least two months. Kid's great and is one of the rising premier scorers in the league, but he's killing himself out there, limping on hard drives and all.