MANILA, Philippines - Chot Reyes is three-time Coach-of-the-Year awardee with five championships to his credit but neophyte PBA coach Jorge Gallent is convinced he can compete with him.
Gallent is raring to battle, hopeful of keeping B-MEG Derby Ace on course for a possible back-to-back PBA Philippine Cup title.
Observers say Reyes’ rich experience could be a big factor for Talk n Text in this long best-of-seven semifinal series. Gallent, however, is undaunted.
“I think I have had enough experience playing and winning six championships in the PBL. Siguro kung isa o dalawa lang baka kulang. But I think six is enough to compete even in a higher level,” said Gallent.
“I have the experience in the amateurs. I guess I just have to bring it up in the PBA,” added Gallent, victorious in each of six tournaments he coached Harbour Centre in the PBL.
Overall, the Llamados are in the running for an unprecedented sixth all-Filipino crown while Gallent is on track for a Cinderella finish.
If they defy the odds and finish all the way on top, Gallent becomes the latest coach to emerge triumphant right in his first tournament in the pro league, joining the elite list that inludes Narciso Bernardo, Chot Reyes, Eric Altamirano, Ryan Gregorio and Joel Banal.
Gallent, however, isn’t looking beyond Reyes and his Tropang Texters. Beaten in Game One, Gallent and his troops go for an equalizer in Game 2 at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
On the same day, San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra start their own best-of-seven semis duel.
Gallent is upbeat despite injuries to key players and their Game One defeat. “We had a chance to win in the end (in Game One). It showed we can beat Talk n Text,” said Gallent.
“We just have to play our game, play our roles and stop their key player. We do that and we have a good chance to win,” Gallent added.