By WAYLON GALVEZ

Games Wednesday (Astrodome, Pasay City)
4:50 p.m. — Barako Bull vs Rain or Shine
7:30 p.m. — Talk ’N Text vs Burger King

Talk ’N Text is aching to become the first back-to-back champion in the PBA in a long while.

So determined are the TNT officials, including the coaching staff, they are planning to change their import for the second time despite the 34-point performance of current import Gary Forbes in a 103-100 win over Coca-Cola last Saturday in Bohol.

A TNT source who talked on condition of anonymity said they’re still communicating with Rashad Bell – a former Boston University star who played for Coca-Cola two years ago.

“Meron namang chance for Bell to play,” said the source.

The 6-foot-5 Bell is currently playing for the Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar in Hungary. Through 28 games, he averaged 22.0 points 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

Forbes, who replaced the disgruntled Tiras Wade, tallied only 21 points and five rebounds in his debut for TNT where they lost to Rain or Shine in overtime, 118-116, last Wednesday.

If TNT and Bell strike a deal, they are hoping Bell could arrive today or tomorrow in time for their crucial match against Burger King on Wednesday.

If ever, Bell can come in during the team’s final game in the classification phase against Alaska on May 30, or in the playoffs.

Currently leading the pact is San Miguel Beer with a 9-1 record, followed by Purefoods TJ Hotdogs (7-4), Rain or Shine (7-5), defending champion Barangay Ginebra (6-5), Burger King (6-5), Sta. Lucia Realty (6-6), TNT, Coke, Alaska (4-8) and Barako Bull (2-10).

Only the top two teams will advance outright to the semifinals. The third to 10th placed teams will play in the crossover knockout round.


Source: http://mb.com.ph/node/200155