IT’S destiny that crafted Talk ‘N Text victory to retain the 37th Philippine Cup crown on Sunday, according to coach Chot Reyes.
Heavily burdened by players injury including the startling shooting of Ali Peek early in the
elimination round, the Tropang Texters defied the odds to beat Powerade Tigers, 4-1, in the best-of-seven titular series and secured their fifth title since joining the league in 1990.
The fate enabled them to become the first team in 27 years to accomplish a rare back-to-back All-Filipino championship. The last to do it was Great Taste in 1984 and 1985 under the tutelage of legendary coach Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan.
It was an uphill climb to the championship as they have first to crash Barako Bull in the quarterfinals and then overcame a huge 1-3 deficit over Petron Blaze in the best-of-seven semifinals to reach the Finals for the fourth straight time.
“I believe that this championship is filled with special moments, and nothing more special was what happened to Ali. We all rushed to the hospital and the entire team was there at his bedside. We prayed for him as a team and everybody was in tears,” said Reyes.
Reyes, on the other hand, gained his 8th title as a coach including two each from Purefoods and Coca-Cola and four with Talk ‘N Text.
“This was a big step where the bond and teammanship of this team got cemented. And the second moment was when we were down 1-3 against Petron. The players would not allow it and they looked at each other in the eye, believing that we can still come back. We did not waste the opportunity even with all those injuries,” he stressed.
He also cited all players that helped in the campaign especially Ryan Reyes, who topscored with 20 points and new all-time high 10 steals in their 110-101 win in game 5.But it was Larry Fonacier, who was most consistent as he average 16.2 points and six rebounds in the series to reap the Finals MVP honor from the PBA Press Corps.
After their successful campaign in the season’s opening conference, the Tropang Texters will just have to take a few days rest and then start preparing for their defense of the 37th Commissioner’s Cup set to start on Feb. 23 in Dubai, UAE.
Heavily burdened by players injury including the startling shooting of Ali Peek early in the
elimination round, the Tropang Texters defied the odds to beat Powerade Tigers, 4-1, in the best-of-seven titular series and secured their fifth title since joining the league in 1990.
The fate enabled them to become the first team in 27 years to accomplish a rare back-to-back All-Filipino championship. The last to do it was Great Taste in 1984 and 1985 under the tutelage of legendary coach Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan.
It was an uphill climb to the championship as they have first to crash Barako Bull in the quarterfinals and then overcame a huge 1-3 deficit over Petron Blaze in the best-of-seven semifinals to reach the Finals for the fourth straight time.
“I believe that this championship is filled with special moments, and nothing more special was what happened to Ali. We all rushed to the hospital and the entire team was there at his bedside. We prayed for him as a team and everybody was in tears,” said Reyes.
Reyes, on the other hand, gained his 8th title as a coach including two each from Purefoods and Coca-Cola and four with Talk ‘N Text.
“This was a big step where the bond and teammanship of this team got cemented. And the second moment was when we were down 1-3 against Petron. The players would not allow it and they looked at each other in the eye, believing that we can still come back. We did not waste the opportunity even with all those injuries,” he stressed.
He also cited all players that helped in the campaign especially Ryan Reyes, who topscored with 20 points and new all-time high 10 steals in their 110-101 win in game 5.But it was Larry Fonacier, who was most consistent as he average 16.2 points and six rebounds in the series to reap the Finals MVP honor from the PBA Press Corps.
After their successful campaign in the season’s opening conference, the Tropang Texters will just have to take a few days rest and then start preparing for their defense of the 37th Commissioner’s Cup set to start on Feb. 23 in Dubai, UAE.
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