Coaches see Texters solid pick over Kings

MANILA, Philippines - Coaches surveyed virtually had one message sent: Talk n Text is favored.

It was best in elims, best in manpower, best in import, best in defense and ready to best Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven Finals beginning tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.

Coaches Yeng Guiao, Tim Cone, Rajko Toroman, Bo Perasol and Allan Gregorio are among those who give the Texters a good chance to nail a second straight championship following their conquest of San Miguel Beer in the all-Filipino final.

“It will be a close match but I think Talk n Text has a slight advantage because that team is well rested and has the more complete lineup,” said Guiao.

“Their freshness will be a big factor. Talk n Text also has the size advantage and they have the more versatile import. Paul Harris plays inside and out while Nate Brumfield is purely an attacking player,” Guiao added.

Cone believes Talk n Text is the best team in the league right now. The Alaska coach even predicted the Texters winning it in six games.

Toroman thinks the Texters defend a lot better “and they pounce on just about every enemy error with a fastbreak play.”

Barangay Ginebra, on the other hand, has the momentum and the crowd as virtual solid sixth man on its side.

The Tropang Texters chase the second jewel of a possible grand slam season while the Kings aim for a first crown in six conferences.

Before the opener at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Big Dome, the PBA pays tribute to the late commissioner Rodrigo “Rudy” Salud.

For Perasol, Talk n Text’s biggest advantage is a manpower that can neutralize Nate Brumfield.

The Powerade mentor, however, doesn’t discount an upset with “Ginebra being Ginebra.”

The Kings have defied the odds, pulling the rug from under the second-seeded Smart Gilas team to make the finals versus the top-seeded Texters.

In Talk n Text, Ginebra has to stop a team that has been unbeaten since dropping its tournament debut versus Smart Gilas, making the Texters the most dominant team in the current season.

Gregorio, the Air21 team manager and Smart Gilas assistant coach, said it would be Ginebra if the series reaches a deciding Game Seven.

“If the series goes five or six games, Talk n Text will have the advantage. Talk n Text has fresh legs and the momentum on its side while Ginebra is peaking at the right time,” said Gregorio.

Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent predicted a long series with the team that stays healthy winning the championship.

Going to the finals, Talk n Text is without Jared Dillinger while Barangay Ginebra is missing the services of Rico Villanueva.

“I think that’s another edge for Talk n Text. Because of a more solid lineup, they’re hardly missing the absence of Dillinger,” said Guiao.