Talk ‘N Text unanimous favorite among PBA coaches in Philippine Cup finals

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

Coaches from different PBA teams unanimously picked Talk ‘N Text to prevail over Powerade in the Philippine Cup finals, which begins Friday night in Digos City.

“Experience and championship poise, depth, coaching experience are reasons enough that will make Talk ‘N Text as the overwhelming favorite in the series over Powerade,” wrote Meralco Bolts coach Ryan Gregorio in a text message.

“I am sure that odd-makers predict a Talk ‘N Text rampage against Powerade, which is not supposed to be in the finals. But Powerade continues to prove skeptics wrong by their incredible performance in the playoffs. With what they have done, nbobody wants to predict anymore for fear of being wrong again.”

“Still, I predict a Talk ‘N Text win in five or six games because of championship tradition, roster depth and coaching experience.”

Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi also thinks the Tropang Texters will make quick work of the Tigers in the finals. “I see Talk ‘N Text winning in five games because of its championship experience and more superior line up,” he said.

But according to Petron Blaze assistant Gee Abanilla, Powerade might have an edge when it come to warm bodies.

“Health and hunger will surely motivate Powerade,” said Abanilla, whose team was defeated by Talk ‘N Text in seven games in the semifinals. “Their run to the finals is amazing and you can see the hunger on their faces. Tapos, nagkaka-injury naman yung mga key players ng Talk ‘N Text lately and that’s an advantage for Powerade. But championship experience and depth would be more than enough to make up for the little disadvantages of Talk ‘N Text.”

Air 21 coach Franz Pumaren, meanwhile, believes Talk ‘N Text will prevail in a long series.

“The team’s rich championship experience is really overwhelming and even if the series will go the distance, I see a big advantage on the side of Talk ‘N Text. They have taller players who can pound their smaller rivals and they have a more superior line up, definitely the strongest in the league,” he said.

Rain or Shine assistant Caloy Garcia said Powerade has already overachieved this conference, a fact that might backfire on the team if ever they come up with that mindset during the finals.

“Dapat huwag silang makuntento on the fact that they’re playing in the finals,” said Garcia, whose squad lost to the Tigers in seven grueling games. “Still, I believe Talk ‘N Text has a big advantage over Powerade. I just cannot determine how many games.”

Jong Uichico, who recently joined the Bolts as a consultant, also sees an edge for Talk ‘N Text.

“Talk ‘N Text is the favorite, no doubt. They have championship experience and mabigat din yung ginawa nina Chot of coming back from a 1-3 deficit. Powerade may be hungry for a championship, but Talk ‘N Text has the clear advantage at almost every fronts.”

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