Texters face uphill climb to 3rd straight crown

Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes said Friday that the Tropang Texters need to double their efforts to win the Governor’s Cup and complete a rare Grand Slam in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Reyes said they will be aiming for a third straight title but face the difficult task of achieving the feat since the eight other teams are out to challenge them for the PBA Governors’ Cup crown. "Yes, we’re definitely going for it. But I’ll tell you, it won’t be that easy," said Reyes Friday. "I also believe that our efforts in winning the first two conferences won’t be enough, so we have to be more focused on the task at hand and more determined on what we’re trying to accomplish." Talk ‘N Text tapped Maurice Baker as their reinforcement, hoping that the 6-foot-1 import can help them clinch a third straight trophy and become the latest member of the the three-peat club composed of Crispa, San Miguel and Alaska. Barker made the height limit by less than an inch. Since the Texters won the first two crowns, they will have a smaller import due to the new handicapping system. "The Import will play a very important role, but we’re handicapped by having one which hardly stands 6-foot-1," said Reyes. Reyes said that the Oklahoma State graduate Barker looks to be easily adjusting with the team despite only being here for two weeks. "We have yet to see what Maurice can do for us, but this early, after one tune up game, he seems capable of giving us what we need as a team," said Reyes. Talk ‘N Text will try to become the fourth team to achieve a Grand Slam or winning all three conferences in a PBA season. Crispa was the first to do the feat in 1976 handled by the legendary Virgilio "Baby" Dalupan. Tommy Manotoc followed in 1983 as the Redmanizers’ mentor. San Miguel Beer, coached by Norman Black, also achieved a Grand Slam in 1989 followed by Alaska in 1996 under coach Tim Cone. – Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News