Phone Pals fully loaded again

Gone: Vic Pablo, Abby Santos, Jonathan Aldave
Gain: Yousif Aljamal, Kalani Ferreira
Mainstays: Anthony Washington, Mac Cardona, Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag, Don Allado, RenRen Ritualo, Donbel Belano, Egay Billones, Harvey Carey, Migs Noble, Patrick Fran

It’s easy to understand if the Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals are the consensus choice to run away with this year’s PBA Philippine Cup championship.

Even without main men Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag and RenRen Ritualo, the team came just one shot away from beating the Alaska Aces for the Fiesta Cup title last conference.

And as the Pals headed for the new season beginning Oct. 14, Taulava, Alapag and Ritualo will relive their old familiar role with a team that hardly tinkered with its powerhouse roster during the off-season.

“Talk ‘N Text has made it to the finals without its three superstars. What more if they have them this season,” noted Ginebra mentor Jong Uichico of the heavily-favored Phone Pals.

“It’s not a guess, but it’s obvious that Talk ‘N Text is indeed the favorite.”

Only old hand Vic Pablo will not be back in the core of coach Derick Pumaren, although wide bodied rookie Yousif Aljamal is expected to fill in the vacant slot.

The addition of the burly 6-foot-4 big man from San Beda only add more ceiling to an already towering Phone Pals’ frontcourt bannered by Taulava, Harvey Carey, Anthony Washington and the newly re-signed Don Allado.

Mac Cardona, adjudged Best Player of the last Fiesta Cup, could only get better this time and so do Donbel Belano, who, along with Ritualo, form a dreaded backcourt trio for the Phone Pals.

To top it all, the team went on an extensive, two-week training in San Antonio, Texas under the watchful eyes of several foreign coaches.

“We have a very impressive training in the US. We definitely learned a lot during our stay there,” said coach Derick Pumaren.

“It’s a complete team. It has talent and experience. It is well-trained and well-coached,” said Air21 mentor Bo Perasol.

“Talk ‘N Text is a classy organization. The team has the full management backing. It’s definitely a championship-caliber squad,” coach Guiao of Red Bull remarked.