TnT starts grand slam campaign vs Alaska

MANILA, Philippines -  Talk n Text begins its quest for the final gem of a rare grand slam against the very team that last won a Triple Crown in the PBA – Alaska Milk.

It’s a top-notch match offered in the third playdate of the PBA Governors Cup which also features the Rain or Shine-Air21 faceoff at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters, with NBA veteran Maurice Baker as import, are raring to plunge back into action and claim the final jewel to a coveted slam after ruling the Philippine Cup and the Commissioner’s Cup.

The Texters are determined to give it a good shot and join the elite circle of four grand slam winners with Alaska the last team to achieve the feat in 1996.

“It’s interesting that we’re the last team to win a grand slam and we’re facing off in the first game the team that is now trying to win one,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

“We’re ready to go right away and begin defending our grand slam,” Cone said.

Jason Forte, a former Air21 import, will help the Aces defend the ‘96 grand slam won by an Alaska team bannered by Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Bong Hawkins, Jeffrey Cariaso and Poch Juinio.

Crispa under coach Baby Dalupan was the first to score a grand slam in the league in 1976. The Redmanizers repeated the feat under coach Tommy Manotoc in 1983 then San Miguel Beer annexed its own slam under coach Norman Black in 1989.

Even with the league shifting to two-conference format from 2005-2010, no other team has scored a season sweep again.

This rare opportunity prompted Jimmy Alapag and Kelly Williams to delay their stint with national team gearing up for the Fiba Asia championship in Wuhan, China in September.

“It’s a very, very rare opportunity that Kelly and I will have. First and foremost is to represent the country. Representing our country in the game of basketball is probably unlike any other country because of how passionate us Filipinos about the game. To be back to the national team is a huge honor and we’re looking forward to it,” said Alapag.

“At the same time, knowing that we have an opportunity to help Talk n Text achieve a grand slam is an honor and a blessing. Kelly and I understand we have a huge task ahead of us, but we’re excited and we know we have to put in the work for TnT and of course for Gilas,” Alapag said.

Air21 is another team starting its own bid in the tourney against a Rain or Shine side coming off a rousing debut versus B-MEG in Tacloban Saturday.

“We’re playing a team coming off a big win against a championship contender. We have to match their energy and play good defense to beat them,” said Air21 coach Bong Ramos.

“The key to winning in a short tournament is a good start. It’s going to boost our confidence if we can follow up our win over B-MEG,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.