Filtered By: Sports
Sports

PBA: Harvey debuts for Commissioner's Cup champions Talk 'N Text


Things are bound to get better for undefeated Talk 'N Text in the PBA Commissioner's Cup as the defending champions parade a new, prolific import when they take on the Air21 Express Wednesday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Donnell Harvey debuts for the Tropang Texters as replacement for the injured Omar Samhan, with the 6-foot-8 import bringing impressive credentials enough to make the telecommunication franchise a heavy favorite to repeat in the mid-season tournament. The Florida College Falcon is coming off a 24.7-point and 14.6-rebound averages in 32 games in China. He had previous stints in Bosnia, Turkey, Italy, and Puerto Rico. But one thing that concerns Talk 'N Text coach Chot Reyes is how his new import will be able to blend immediately with the team, considering Harvey only arrived last Saturday and practiced with the Tropang Texters for just three games. "This is our first time to play with Donnell after only three practices together," Reyes said. "We need to be ready to adjust on the fly (Wednesday).” The Tropang Texters are the only undefeated team with a 3-0 record. Their last win came at the expense of B-MEG, 102-96, in a game where the reigning champs played without the benefit of an import. Air21 coach Franz Pumaren is aware how dangerous a team Talk 'N Text is, especially now with a brand new import in Harvey. "We are playing the best team of the tournament, that's why we should play smart and try to outwork them for us to compete," said Pumaren. The Express carry a 1-2 (win-loss) record and are coming off back-to-back losses.   But the presence of naturalized player Marcus Douthit alone, brings fear in Reyes' eyes. "Air21 has a proven high quality import who plays well with them," said Reyes of Douthit, with whom he worked with during his stint as Smart Gilas-Pilipinas' assistant coach for two years. Douthit averaged 20 points and 18 rebounds in three games with the Express. Ginebra, another team with a highly-touted import, also returns to the court opposite the skidding Meralco five. The Kings occupy solo second place with a 3-1 slate, and are coming off a 105-96 win over Powerade last Sunday in a game that served as Jackson Vroman's coming out party. The naturalized Lebanese had an all-around game of 19 points, 12 rebounds, five blocks, four assists and three steals in the win that also saw Mark Caguioa finish with a conference-high 31 points. Kings coach Siot Tanquingcen, despite everything going their way, is not taking any chances against the Bolts. "We have to stay focused and play with intensity because for sure, Meralco would be playing with a sense of urgency," said Tanquingcen. Meralco is down the standings with a 1-4 card and on a three-game losing skid. Another loss would push the team on the brink of being eliminated in the short, single round eliminations. "We are fighting for survival. We have not gotten a good rhythm yet. We worked extra hard to prepare for Ginebra and hopefully it is enough," said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio. — JVP, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT