The Talk 'n' Text Juggernaut

Texters' looking at the right direction

This was supposed to be the conference wherein the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters' winning ways would hit a snag given the change in coaching personnel. This was supposed to be the "transition period" as guards Jayson Castro and Ryan Reyes takeover the team full-time from PBA MVP Jimmy "Mighty Mouse" Alapag.

Well after last night's drubbing of rivals Petron Blaze Boosters to finish with an 11-2 slate, it seems that there's just no stopping the Texters' "juggernaut" no matter the cards dealt to them. Head coach Norman Black has the Texters playing more defensively and half-court oriented as opposed to the former regime's. Guys are finding ways to win, gutting it out via team plays more than one-on-one forays.

But probably the biggest thing about the Texters that almost goes unnoticed is their commitment. It's not just about being unselfish and sharing the basketball, it's about doing what needs to be done in order to win. We've seen the complete opposite over at Petron where guys start pointing fingers and call out each other for not doing what their supposed to. Nope, over at the Texters' camp, when someone's not on top of his game, another guy pulls him aside and eggs him on, while another guy comes in and steps up to the plate.

Castro has been starting and has been a little inconsistent. No problem, in comes Alapag- ever the veteran, to carry the cudgels and provide what is necessary be it points, assists or barking orders at erring teammates. Larry Fonacier has also blossomed into the kind of lead SG/SF that may not look intimidating on the court, but does things well be it on offense or defense.

Ranidel de Ocampo, arguably the league's most skilled power forward/ center, has no qualms about not being the outright option on offense. There's not a guy who can guard him in the league (Marc Pingris is your best bet, but he gives up a little size on RDO and the Caviteno Texter isn't exactly the "cleanest" guy out there so he has tricks of his own), and yet he doesn't demand for the ball each time down on the floor. That's commitment to the team, a selflessness you either have or don't.

Going into the next phase of the PBA Philippine Cup, the Texters are looking to defend their title (yet again). What's scary is, no matter who they face, the disparity in team play combined with their superstar roster is alarming and just damn scary.