Running Talk ‘N Text’s system to perfection

MANILA, Philippines – There are some games won on unquantifiable aspects: playing like a warrior, showing the fighting spirit, or refusing to lose.

But oftentimes for the unbeaten Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, basketball games are won on fluid, effective, and efficient basketball.

The Tropang Texters’ plays are simple and don’t require a lot of effort. And the way they execute it with ease and finesse carries them to a superior level.

Since taking over the chores after Chot Reyes’ departure, TNT head coach Norman Black has been at the forefront of Talk ‘N Text’s success for the past 3 years. He is piloting a team which has copped four championship trophies in six finals appearances over the last 4 years, and were just a game short of the elusive grand slam back in the 2010-2011 season.

With a complete roster which knows how to thrive in Black’s system, the Tropang Texters are hard to stop. Despite having to lose key players every conference, Talk ‘N Text has managed to fight for the playoffs each time. And without any injuries hobbling them anymore, the retooled, revitalized camp are six wins away from going back to the perch.

“Well you know, coach Norman’s plays. There’s all kind of options. Anyone out there can score, anyone can take over. It’s not just one person but all of us,” said Ryan Reyes, who was noticeably missing in action last conference to rest his hurting hamstring.

“Just everyone being healthy is what we want. From our early break from the first conference, we had the chance to rest our body and everything and come back strong.”

Here are some of the simple plays TNT ran against Ginebra in their quarterfinal duel last Tuesday.

Play #1

In this play, Jimmy Alapag has possession on the right side of the wing with Larry Fonacier patrolling at the other side. Ranidel De Ocampo and Kelly Williams are underneath before setting off-ball screens for KG Canaleta at the baseline (Photo 1). Canaleta, whose intial position is at the left corner, travelled past the two screens to receive the ball from Alapag at the right wing.

At this position (Photo 2), Canaleta can either shoot the three, or feed De Ocampo who can move to the right corner or post up. He knocked down a triple in this particular possession against Ginebra.

Play #2

Jimmy Alapag will bring down the ball and quickly move the leather over to Richard Howell at the left elbow/high post (Photo 1). Since Howell is 6-foot-9 and is facing the basket, he has a wide periphery to check where his teammates are and a good vantage point of the hardcourt.

Alapag and Larry Fonacier will then switch places in the backcourt, while Harvey Carey – a penchant for draining baseline jumpers – is on the opposite side.

Howell can either attack hard, drop it to Ranidel De Ocampo who is just roaming around the post, or kick out, choosing either Alapag or Fonacier to hit the open trey (Photo 2). Carey meanwhile, who moves well without the leather, could go inside the paint for the offensive board.

Play #3

This is a play that gave tons of headaches to Ginebra’s defense. Castro will run the play that looks like a ‘Y’ play from the start.

But instead of starting at the middle and picking a side from top of the key, Castro takes off from the left side to the right side, with Richard Howell and Kelly Williams setting ball screens at the high post (Photo 1).

Castro, who has improved his jumpshot through the years, can go for the elbow jumper immediately after the Howell screen (Photo 2) since the import’s wide frame will allow some room between Castro and his defender.

Ginebra went under the Howell screen several times, allowing Castro some space to either shoot or drop a pass to a cutting Howell.

Castro can also attack the basket or kick out to Jimmy Alapag and KG Canaleta who are on the opposite corners and both ready for the three point bomb.

What is Talk ‘N Text doing right?

With defined roles, the Tropang Texters are able to run their quick and simple plays to perfection. It is even easier with the complete roster around since they will have guys that gel well in the system.

The options are endless.

Example, Carey likes shooting jumpers from the baseline or Ryan Reyes’ hotspot for three point baskets is the corner. Black, who has also engineered Ateneo de Manila University to 5 straight UAAP basketball titles – have designed plays specifically targeted to any one of his players. So anytime he uses a given combination, his players know what they need to run in order to find the best shot possible.

They have a plethora of options and with a core roster playing together for over 6 years now, the chemistry is solid.

“This team had been through a lot both on and off the court. I said from the beginning that our team has a very special bond and very unique chemistry,” said 36-year-old captain Jimmy Alapag who has been donning the Talk ‘N Text jersey in all of his 11 years in the PBA.

“And you know that we didn’t feel good about what happened to the last conference. The best way to respond to that is to come back to this conference and finish out the season, refocus, re-energize, and most importantly stay healthy.”

This core group has taken Talk ‘N Text to the championship round several times, and they are looking forward to adding more banners to their rafter.

– Rappler.com with reports from Noli Magsambol