Talk N Text to sign up Locsin

Talk N Text is signing up free agent Noli Locsin in the next few days in a bid to strengthen its frontcourt rotation, which is now a bit shaky minus injured ace forward Vic Pablo.

The team coaching staff, led by American mentor Paul Woolpert, felt the Phone Pals would need the heft and hulk of Locsin and is studying possible contract-proposal for the former La Salle Archer.

A team insider said the management is keen on signing up Locsin but doesn’t want to get the veteran into the Phone Pals roster immediately since the team is on a roll, winning its last two games over the San Miguel Beermen and the Sta. Lucia Realtors.

Though left unsigned at Red Bull, Locsin kept himself in shape, suiting up for the San Miguel All-Star Selection which played an exhibition game in Davao City recently.

Danny Espiritu, Locsin’s agent-adviser, said San Miguel is not barring any of its touring All Stars to leave the team once they get offer to return to the PBA.

Minus Pablo who is out with strained muscles on both legs, the Phone Pals are currently campaigning with only a 10-man lineup. Asi Taulava only has Mark Telan, Angelo David, Harvey Carey, Norman Gonzales and Kahi Villa as backup at the post.

But the Phone Pals have defied the odds and have won their last two games. In fact, it will take a shot at a third straight win against Barangay Ginebra at 5 p.m. in the Samsung All-Filipino Cup at the Araneta Coliseum today

Coca-Cola and Red Bull, running one and two in Group B with a 4-0 win-loss card and a 3-1 slate, respectively, clash at 7:30 p.m. in the other match.

Romel Adducul may report a little late for Ginebra as the 6-foot-5 slotman is to attend his school’s graduation rites at the PICC earlier in the day. The Tuguegarao native is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in BS Management at San Sebastian College after a long on-and-off studies which started in 1993.

Though it took him almost a decade to complete the course, Adducul is proud of his achievement, knowing he is one of only a few players who have completed a college course.

"Pinagtsagaan ko talaga ito kahit pahinto-hinto dahil sa basketball," Adducul said.

Meanwhile, Danny Ildefonso may finally return to action as San Miguel Beer plays Shell in a road game at the Lamberto Macias gym in Dumaguete City tomorrow.

Ildefonso said he has recovered from his foot injury and is raring to come back after sitting out San Miguel’s first five games in the season.

Minus Ildefonso and Danny Seigle, the Beermen managed to stay afloat with two wins against two losses.