Texters favored to complete PBA slam

MANILA, Philippines - Grand slam-seeking Talk n Text remains the top favorite while Derby Ace, Petron Blaze, Barangay Ginebra and Alaska Milk are tipped as the chief challengers in the PBA Governors Cup which unwraps with a road game between Derby Ace and Rain or Shine in Tacloban, Leyte tomorrow.

Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes himself points to the Llamados, the Boosters, the Kings and the Aces as the biggest threats in their bid to complete a rare Triple Crown.

Reyes is wary of Derby Ace with a talented roster made more formidable by the addition of former Alaska stalwart Joe Devance.

Ginebra, meanwhile, is in Reyes’ radar with its depth and crowd support, Petron for its hunger and Alaska with its winning tradition.

All other PBA coaches, however, are one in saying Talk n Text remains the team to beat.

“Talk n Text is intact and healthy. It has a system ingrained and is going after a goal,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

“It’s still Talk n Text with its complete lineup and cohesiveness playing with one another,” said Derby Ace’s Jorge Gallent.

“With a possible grand slam, they have a high goal and they’ll surely give their all to achieve it,” said Air21’s Bong Ramos.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao also had those in mind but mentioned other things to consider.

“The quality of import would be crucial for any team. Air21’s Alpha Bangura and Meralco’s Champ Oguchi are proven performers so I expect their teams to be dark horses,” said Guiao.

“Derby Ace is the team to watch because of Devance and a highly touted import in Stefhon Hannah. I expect my team to make the semis and I don’t discount Rain or Shine pulling off surprises,” Guiao added.

For Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio, TnT and Derby Ace are the top choices in terms of manpower.

“The consensus team to beat is still Talk n Text. Its manpower is so strong that its second unit can actually start in any other team in the league,” said Gregorio.

“Another team that is so strong in manpower build-up is B-MEG. As it was, they were already formidable, adding Joe DeVance made their roster an all-star cast which could rival the star power of TnT,” said Gregorio.

Alaska coach Tim Cone also believes his team to be out there figuring in the fight for top honors.

The Aces will have a built-in edge over the Texters, the Llamados, the Kings and the Boosters with a better height handicap for its import.