Talk ‘N Text reaffirms winning tradition
SO TALK ‘N TEXT, once the most dominant team in the past four years, is back on its winning ways, by capturing its seventh PBA title in a climatic double overtime victory over a gutsy Rain or Shine squad in Game Seven of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals on Wednesday night at the Big Dome.
In achieving its latest feat, the Tropang Texters opened up a lot of interesting storylines that capped its successful conference-long campaign.
Ranidel De Ocampo, the hands down choice for the finals most valuable player, showed up wearing his old 2004 Rookie Camp warm up shirt. It was a symbol that signifies his hunger to win a championship as the Tropang Texters have yet to win a championship in the last six conferences prior to winning the Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday night.
The 6-foot-7 forward saved his best for last as he finished with a career-high 34 points on six-of-nine shooting from beyond the arc.
Veteran players like Danny Seigle and Willie Miller found themselves smelling the championship atmosphere again. It was a long time coming for both players.
Mr. Seigle was a bit emotional when he won this one, especially when sharing it with long- time coach Jong Uichico.
“It was 16 years ago when we won our first championship together. Now, we’re back winning another one,” Mr. Seigle told
BusinessWorld in an exclusive interview. “I can’t describe the feeling, but it’s great. Hopefully, we win another one.”
Mr. Uichico was likewise nostalgic. He talked to Mr. Seigle the experience of winning their first title together back when they were still with San Miguel Beer.
“He gave me my first championship as coach. He won his first title as a player with me as coach. It’s nice that we won a championship together and just like before, the feeling is the same. It’s special,” added Mr. Uichico.
Mr. Miller was the early bird on Wednesday. He’s been shooting around along with his son as early as 4 p.m., hoping the three-hour preparation would be enough to get himself prepared anytime his number is called.
The two-time Most Valuable Player started the conference without a team to play for, but what started as a bitter beginning turned out to be a great ending for the player once considered the best closer in the game.
“Eto na ’ yung hinihintay ko,
yung mag- champion ulit,” said Mr. Miller, who was plucked out from semi-retirement to become part of a champion squad.
Mr. Miller felt he had unfinished business to settle with Talk ‘N Text, which traded for his services, but failed to give the squad a championship at the prime of his career.
This time, he didn’t disappoint the team even when he’s playing a cameo role.
Then, there’s Harvey Carey, the only original member of the Talk ‘N Text squad that won its first title in 2002.
Mr. Carey played a key role in the series as he was tasked to defend Rain or Shine’s explosive guard Paul Lee.
Having a championship pedigree as amateur standouts, rookies Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Kevin Alas didn’t wait too long before winning their first title as a pro.
“Ang biro ko nga kay Matt, teammates na yata kami forever,” said Mr. Alas. “Sa amateur pa lang, we were winning championships. Now, mas masarap ’yung feeling because this is the PBA and we’ve been part of a champion squad at this early stage of our career.”