TnT acquires Alvarez, plays in Qatar invitational

MANILA, Philippines - Talk n Text has acquired Rich Alvarez and is also looking at Mark Telan as possible addition to the team’s roster with Ranidel de Ocampo recovering from a knee surgery and Kelly Williams set to miss some games while with the RP team in November.

The Tropang Texters, appearing like a new team with the departure of former top gun Mark Cardona and with the absence of De Ocampo, try to toughen up for the upcoming season as they compete in the Qatar Invitational Championship on Sept. 21-23.

The Texters will slug it out with the Qatar national team, France Team B and a Slovenian team in the tough Qatar tourney.

“It’s really a tough competition. The organizers allow us to bring imports but we opt not to in preparation for the PBA all-Filipino conference,” said Talk n Text team manager Aboy Castro.

The Texters are optimistic of their chance in the coming season although they’re starting out minus lead frontcourt player De Ocampo who underwent surgery to remove bone spurs on his knee.

De Ocampo won’t be back until towards the end of the year.

“That’s the reason why we signed up Rich Alvarez. Mark Telan is trying out and we’re looking at his physical condition,” said Castro.

Air21 released Alvarez unconditionally while Rain or Shine didn’t re-sign Telan.

Coach Chot Reyes squeezed in Alvarez who is likely to play extended minutes by the time Williams is loaned to the Smart Gilas team.

“Rich is signed to a one-conference contract. Of course, that’s renewable depending on his performance,” said Castro.

Alvarez, the 2005 Rookie of the Year awardee, is suiting up with his seventh team after Shell, Alaska, Red Bull, Purefoods, Ginebra and Air21.

At Talk n Text, he’s reunited with former Ateneo teammate Larry Fonacier whom the Texters acquired from Alaska.

Ali Peek, meanwhile, returned to Talk n Text to take the place of JR Quinhanan who, on the other hand, went back to Air21.