Talk n Text head coach Jong Uichico needed someone he depended on a lot in the past to bail them out again.
In dire need of a spark against his old team San Miguel Beer on Friday, Uichico banked on an old reliable in Danny Seigle to anchor the Texters to a 107-101 victory and keep their hopes alive for a top two finish and a sure semis berth that goes with it.
“He’s always ready to play. He has his deficiencies but he has his strengths also. He knows how important games are,” Uichico said of Seigle, adding, “I think he should be in the Top 40 (Greatest Players).”
Seigle was one of the notable omissions in the list, and his coach dating back to his Beermen days truly believes that the 1999 Rookie of the Year deserves his place among the greats.
But the main concern for Uichico is not the 40 Greatest Players, but Talk ‘N Text’s campaign in the Philippine Cup.
“Two consecutive hard games. It’s a good sign that di nagrelax yung players and we’re still able to keep that energy we needed to get over this game,” Uichico said after nailing victories this week over Purefoods and San Miguel. “I hope were ready for the playoffs.”
The win over the Beermen gave the Tropang Texters an 8-3 slate, and if Ginebra wins over the E-Painters on Sunday, Uichico and his wards will automatically advance to the semifinals.
So is Uichico going to root for his old squad come Sunday against Rain or Shine?
“Whichever team, basta makapasok kami sa semifinals,” he said. (RL)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.