Reyes credits destiny for win

Monday, January 30, 2012

MANILA — Coach Chot Reyes said destiny helped Talk ‘N Text retain the 37th Philippine Cup crown last Sunday.

Heavily burdened by players’ injuries, including the startling shooting incident of Ali Peek early in the elimination round, the Tropang Texters defied the odds to beat Powerade Tigers, 4-1, in the best-of-seven series to secure their fifth title since joining the league in 1990.

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This enabled them to become the first team in 27 years to accomplish a back-to-back All-Filipino championship. The last to do it was Great Taste in 1984 and 1985, under the tutelage of legendary coach Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan.

It was an uphill climb to the championship as Texters had to crush Barako Bull in the quarterfinals and then overcome a 3-1 deficit over Petron Blaze in the best-of-seven semifinals to reach the Finals for the fourth straight time.

“I believe that this championship is filled with special moments, and nothing more special was what happened to Ali. We all rushed to the hospital and the entire team was there at his bedside. We prayed for him as a team and everybody was in tears,” said Reyes.

Reyes, on the other hand, gained his eighth title as a coach—he had two each with Purefoods and Coca-Cola and four with Talk ‘N Text.

“This was a big step where the bond of this team got cemented. And the second moment was when we were down 3-1 against Petron. The players would not allow it and they looked at each other in the eye, believing that we could still come back. We did not waste the opportunity even with all those injuries,” he said.

MVP

He also cited all players that helped in the campaign, especially Ryan Reyes, who topscored with 20 points and had a new all-time high 10 steals in their 110-101 win in Game 5.

But it was Larry Fonacier who was most consistent, as he averaged 16.2 points and six rebounds in the series to reap the Finals MVP honor from the PBA Press Corps.

“Larry Fonacier was the only player who played all games in this conference for us.

His being present was a blessing for us. Ryan Reyes helped us in playing the best defense on Gary David,” said Reyes. “Powerade just wouldn’t give up, but neither did we. We just had the depth and I call this sustained excellence. We find a way to win continuously and we keep on going and going.”