Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao (second from right) and Talk ‘N Text mentor Jong Uichico shake hands after a press conference at the Sambokojin Restaurant in Eastwood, Pasig. Joining them are PBA commissioner Chito Salud, PBA chairman Pato Gregorio and players from both teams. (INQUIRER)
All-conference long, the Talk N Text Tropang Texters and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have stood atop the standings.
But it has come to a point where one must fall. Just who that team will be will be decided starting today when they collide in Game 1 of the best-of-seven finals series in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup over at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Texters are raring to break a two-year title drought with their last crown coming in the 2013 Philippine Cup.
Coincidentally, the Elasto Painters are on the same boat as their opponents having won their last title in 2012 during the Governor’s Cup.
“In any series, Game One is always important,” Talk ‘N Text head coach Jong Uichico told pba.inquirer.net. “You’ll have the advantage in a lot of things, including in adjustments.”
Uichico is in the running to become a latest addition to the list of coaches who’ve won championships with three different teams. He’s won titles with San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra.
Incidentally, Rain or Shine’s coach Yeng Guiao is also in that list. He’s won titles with Swift, Red Bull and Rain or Shine.
This will be Rain or Shine’s fifth trip to the Finals in nine conferences, and Guiao likes his chances now.
“This is the most healthy we’ve been in all of the five Finals that we made. That itself is a good indication,” Guiao said. Still, Guiao sees his squad as heavy underdogs against Talk ‘N Text.
“But that’s really our niche. We like to be the underdogs, and we’re comfortable to be the underdogs.”