PBA: Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters 2012 Draft preview

2011-12 season recap:

• Philippine Cup: 10-4 (2nd) defeated Powerade 4-1 to win the championship
• Commissioner’s Cup: 7-2 (1st) lost 3-4 to B-Meg in the Finals
• Governor’s Cup: 8-6 (4th) eliminated in the semifinal round

What happened? The Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters came close, but ultimately failed to complete a rare grand slam during the 2010-11 season. Naturally, they came into last season on a mission, ready to resume winning championships. When Talk N’ Text was healthy, they were one of the deepest, most versatile teams in the league. They were relentless on the break and were tough and stingy on defense. All their weapons were on full display as they rolled over the opposition in the Philippine Cup to successfully defend their crown. However, injuries took away the Talk N’ Text‘s biggest weapon, their depth. There were injuries that kept key players out for stretches while some players were competing not at their peak form. The Tropang Texters looked strong in the Commissioner’s Cup as they topped the league at the end of the eliminations. The injury bug hit them once the playoffs started and they limped into the Finals against a hungry B-Meg team. The Llamados then out-lasted the Tropang Texters in an epic seven game series. The Governor’s Cup wasn’t any better for Talk N’ Text as they played with mismatched line-ups and exhausted players due to injuries. They were eventually booted out in the semifinal stage. Where do they go from here? The Chot Reyes era ended last season as the multi-titled coached will shift his focus to National Team responsibilities. Replacing him is one of the most decorated coaches in the entire country, Norman Black. This coaching change means very little for Talk N’ Text as Black already held an active role in the team as a consultant. He will be inheriting a stacked line-up that is championship-ready from day one. Reyes and Black like to play the same system which is based on a running attack and inside-out half-court offense. The one difference between the two will be on the defensive end. Black is a better defensive coach who likes his players to play straight-up defense. This renewed focus on the other end of the court can only serve to improve the Tropang Texters. One potential ace up their sleeve in this deep Tropang Texters line-up is Japeth Aguilar, who joined the squad after a stint with the National Team. The former top pick was used sparingly last season getting spot minutes to relieve Kelly Williams or Ranidel De Ocampo. Having coach Black, who handled him during his time at Ateneo de Manila University, will do wonders for Aguilar. PBA fans hope to see his potential unleashed as this guy has a unique mix of length and athleticism never seen before. What do they need most? This Talk N’ Text line-up is the most complete line-up in the PBA. They have shooters, slashers, post players, defensive players, rebounders, shot blockers and glue guys. It might be tough for a new player to crack their rotation should everyone come back healthy. Possible trades Norman Black coached Cliff Hodge and Chris Ellis under Sinag Pilipinas. This connection could prompt Talk N’ Text to make a move for a higher pick. The Tropang Texters can send Harvey Carey, along with future first round picks to Barako Bull for their fifth selection. Talk N’ Text can also try to move up in the second round to grab San Beda big man Dave Marcelo, another Sinag Pilipinas product that can be developed by Black.  - AMD, GMA News