‘We need to think we’re the best,’ says Talk ‘N Text’s Alas

MANILA, Philippines – With an 8-4 record at the end of the 2014-2015 PBA Philippine Cup conference elimination round, the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters wound up with the no. 4 seed and were unable to attain an outright semis berth.

Still, the Tropang Texters remain as dangerous as any team in the league today owing to their impressive performances over the past few weeks.  

The last time TNT lost was back on November 18, 2014, when they fell to the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 105-97. After which, the team won their next four games and in total have won seven of their last eight matches. 

Their recent victory came against the San Miguel Beermen, who had been dominating their opponents before losing to Talk ‘N Text, 107-101.  

SMB wound up with the no. 1 seed, which makes them the gauge for the best in the PBA today. If their game against the Texters is any indication, then it’s clear TNT warrants consideration when talking about the favorite to win the Philippine Cup conference. 

But Talk ‘N Text shouldn’t just feel that they can beat the best. According to rookie Kevin Alas, they should believe they are the best in the PBA. 

“Syempre, kung ako tatanungin mo (Of course, if you ask me), I would say we’re the best team,” Alas said following his team’s win over SMB last week. “We need to think we’re the best team in the league.” 

The Philippine Cup playoffs open on Thursday, December 11. The Texters are scheduled to face the Barako Bull Energy in the quarterfinal round with a twice-to-beat advantage. The last time both squads squared off, TNT won fairly easily, 122-106. 

In his first ever PBA conference, the second overall pick from the 2014 PBA draft is averaging 8.2 PPG, 1.8 RPG, and 1.4 APG in 15 MPG. In Talk ‘n Text’s win over San Miguel, Alas finished with 12 points in 16 minutes.

“We’re getting there,” he said about his team, “but, of course, we shouldn’t be satisfied kasi sa playoffs, iba na yung labanan (the playoffs are a different environment).” 

“Sabi ni Coach Jong, good signs yung nakikita niya saamin.” 

(Coach says he’s seeing good signs from our team.) 

One of those good signs has been the stellar play of 38-year-old veteran Danny Seigle, who’s averaging 5.0 PPG and 2.7 RPG as a back-up in 10.1 MPG this conference. Against the Beermen, Seigle put up 12 points in 13 minutes, including the two baskets that helped seal the win for the Tropang Texters. 

“I just have to be ready. I work hard every day,” Seigle said after the game. “I work hard in practice. And if I get 10 minutes, I’ll be ready for it.” 

His strong performance came a few days after the PBA released the 15 names that will be added to it’s greatest players ever list, with Seigle’s not included.  

The multiple-time champion and Finals MVP said his showing against San Miguel wasn’t meant as a message for the search committee that came up with the list, but rather just him doing his job for his team. 

“It’s a regular game where we needed to win. We’re thinking about the playoffs. I’ve put that behind me. Now I’m just focused on what’s coming next: our next game.” 

“Honestly I don’t like to comment on that, but I think he deserves to be in the top 40,” Alas said about his teammate, whom he says he’s learned a lot from since entering the PBA. 

“Na sha-share niya yung mga experiences niya, yung mga nalalaman niya. Yung mga piece of advice nakakatulong yun, kasi coming from a veteran, ibang klase yun.”

(He shares his experiences and what he knows. The pieces of advice he gives really help, because coming from a veteran like him, that’s one of a kind.) 

Seigle says he does find comfort from the cries of his fans and pundits who believe he should have been included in the greatest players list. 

“I mean, it’s great. It’s some kind of consolation. And I really appreciate it.”

But now, Seigle, Alas, and TNT is focused on the task at hand: winning the Philippine Cup championship. The road to doing so begins on Friday, December 12, against a Barako team which has won four of their last six games. 

“We just have to be ready,” said Alas.

– Rappler.com