Barako coach sees Talk ‘N Text victory

AKTV/Joser Dumbrique

Junel Baculi got a closer look at Talk ‘N Text after his Barako Bull squad pushed the defending champs to five grueling games in the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

In the finals against the B-MEG Llamados, Baculi thinks the Tropang Texters have the edge.

“The character of Talk ‘N Text players is commendable. There were times you see them falling down, but they’re bouncing back strong all of a sudden. And when they’re in the lead, they continue to hold on and show their poise and composure,” said Baculi.

Baculi tabbed the Tropang Texters as the favorites to win Game 5, which would move the team one game away from repeating as Commissioner’s Cup champion.

“I like the guard match up, more than anything else. For Talk ‘N Text to win, it must start from them,” said Baculi.

He mentioned the team’s dribble-drive offense as key for the Tropang Texters, a system that enabled their guards such as Jayson Castro, Jimmy Alapag, Ryan Reyes and Jared Dillinger to wreak havoc on the Llamados’ defense.

Baculi, though, expects James Yap and Peter June Simon to explode at the same time in one of the games.

“James has stepped up the past few games, but PJ has contented himself playing the back up role in offense. Kapag pumutok sila ng sabay, that’s bad news for Talk ‘N Text and it would definitely give B-MEG a better chance of winning,” said Baculi.

He also mentioned another key player who has yet to unravel his game so far for the Llamados.

“I think Joe Devance could be a game changer. He can exploit mismatches. Wala pa tayong masyadong nakikita sa kanya,” Baculi said.

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