TEXTERS UNVEIL JOHNSON VS ROAD WARRIORS
TALK N Text has just taken a big leap.
Where the move takes them would be known starting Friday when the Tropang Texters clash with sister team NLEX in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ivan Johnson is making his league debut in a decision that TNT coach Jong Uichico hopes would stoke his team’s bid for inclusion among the top eight advancing to the playoffs.
There is a certain amount of risk involved since Johnson would be ranged against a fellow former NBA campaigner in Al Thornton, who is coming off a 39-point, 15-rebound effort in NLEX’s 106-79 breakthrough win against Blackwater last Tuesday.
Throw in the fact that although Johnson has had a lengthy NBA stint with the Atlanta Hawks, he comes in as a wet-behind-the-ears player, not yet familiar with the PBA’s brand of play.
Should Johnson live up to expectations and help the Texters win, they could even move into a share of the lead if unbeaten Meralco loses to San Miguel Beer Saturday in Cagayan de Oro City.
“We will see how we will play with our new import,” said TNT coach Jong Uichico, who has been keeping tab of Johnson for quite a while now and made the decision to replace Richard Howell despite last year’s Best Import awardee averaging 15.8 points, 15.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
“(Howell) has a great attitude. He gives us the numbers we want and we’re 4-1 with him. He even led us to the championship round last season. It’s just that I want Ivan Johnson to be our import,” related Uichico.
Unfamiliarity with Johnson and the fact TNT is coming off a 104-103 win over Barangay Ginebra last Sunday is also gnawing at NLEX, particularly coach Boyet Fernandez.
“Big test for us since we are facing a strong team like Talk N Text and they are bringing in a new import as well,” he said.
“Tough matchup, but we are up to the challenge,” added Fernandez.
“We have to be consistent on both defense and offense if we want to have a chance to win against Talk N Text.”
Such all-around effort is needed against a Texters team that also has Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo and Matthew Ganuelas-Rosser.
Thornton cannot do it all by himself for the Road Warriors, making the support from the likes of Asi Taulava, Jonas Villanueva, KG Canaleta and Macmac Cardona both valuable and imperative. (NC)
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