Pals step up training in Korea

By Nelson Beltran
Philippine Star
Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Talk n Text is pressing its buildup for the coming season with a series of tune-up games in Korea, hoping to win a championship after placing third in the All-Filipino and second in the Fiesta Cup last campaign.

The Pals left for Seoul last weekend and played KBL (Korean Basketball League) ball clubs as part of their preparataion that included a two-week training stint in San Antonio, Texas.

They have played two games so far, losing close duels with the import-reinforced Dongbu and KT&G teams. The team is to play two more games before heading back to Manila Saturday.

“The team needs tune-up games to practice whatever they’ve learned in the US. Apparently, it has yet to sink in,” said team manager Frankie Lim, who has a personal goal of achieving back-to-back championships after steering the San Beda Red Lions to a title conquest in the recently concluded NCAA season.

“We’re pushing the team to improve on our third- and second-place finishes last season. We’re looking to make the finals again and hopefully go all the way to win it,” Lim added.

The Pals welcomed amateur recruit Yousif Aljamal in their fold in Korea.

Aljamal completed the TnT lineup, joining Asi Taulava, Yancy de Ocampo, Jay Washington, Don Allado Harvey Carey, Renren Ritualo, Macmac Cardona, Jimmy Alapag, Don Belano, Egay Billones and Patrick Fran, who are all holdovers from last year’s lineup.

“The team is doing okay, just needing to improve on fluidity, which I think they can achieve in time for the opening,” said Lim, optimistic they could make a good run for the championship in the All-Filipino.

“It’s hard to say what will happen in the Fiesta Cup since it’s an import-reinforced tourney. But in the All-Filipino, I do believe we have a good chance,” Lim added.

He considers San Miguel Beer as another top contender with Barangay Ginebra, Purefoods and Alaska the dark horses.