AS bad a team that Talk `N Text is right now, coach Norman Black believes everything will finally stabilize once veteran point guard Jimmy Alapag returns to active duty.
The former league MVP won’t be back in the country until Tuesday and will play his first game with the Tropang Texters in the PBA Governors Cup on Friday against Alaska.
Alapag is coming off a two-week US vacation following a stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba-Asia Championship, and his return is definitely welcome for the Tropang Texters which Black said is "Jimmy’s team."
“It will be a big lift for us when Jimmy comes back. This is his team,” admitted the league’s third winningest coach after Talk `N Text’s 102-95 win over Globalport Sunday night.
“He’s the leader of this team and it would be good to hear his voice and his talent back.”
In the absence of its veteran leader, the Tropang Texters have managed to hold the fort with an even 2-2 card as Gilas Pilipinas stalwarts Larry Fonacier, Jayson Castro, and Ranidel De Ocampo are slowly getting back into game shape after playing for the national team.
“Our situation is a little bit awkward. We’re the most committed to the national team as we have the most number of players, so there’s an adjustment period going on for us right now,” Black pointed out.
“Right now, we’re just trying to hang in there, get enough wins, and qualify for the playoffs.”
With the 35-year-old Alapag set for return, Black believes the Tropang Texters are only going to get better.
But there’s just one thing that concerns the Talk `N Text coach regarding Alapag.
“Hopefully, he’s in game shape,” added Black with a grin.
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