by Waylon Galvez
Talk ’N Text coach Norman Black said the addition of veteran forward Danny Seigle is very timely as he provides depth and veteran leadership to a team that is dealing with injuries.
“We’re looking forward to him joining our team,” said Black prior to the Seigle’s first practice since agreeing to play for TNT.
The three-time defending Philippine Cup champion Tropang Texters are missing the services of injured forwards Ranidel de Ocampo (calf muscle) and Rob Reyes, who was acquired in a trade with Air21 but is still recovering from an ACL injury.
TNT, which recently lost to Petron Blaze (77-63), also has guard Ryan Reyes on a day-to-day status with a knee injury.
“We have some key players suffering from injuries, so it’s nice to have some depth on your roster, especially at the frontline and we come at full strength every game. Danny is also versatile and he can play multiple positions,” added Black.
Seigle got his release from Barako Bull after the two sides failed to come to terms on a contract extension prior to the start of the PBA’s 39th Season.
The 6-foot-7 forward played nearly 11 seasons with San Miguel (now Petron Blaze) before he was traded to Barako Bull (formerly Air21) in the middle of the 2010-11 Season.
Sources said that TNT and Seigle are working on the terms of the contract, possibly a one-year deal.
Another issue that the Tropang Texters need to resolve is who to put on the reserve list since the team now has seven Fil-foreigners following Seigle’s arrival.
The other Fil-foreigners of Talk ’N Text are guard Jimmy Alapag, forwards Kelly Williams, Harvey Carey, Sean Anthony, center Ali Peek and Reyes, who is actually on the reserve list together with rookie Robby Celiz.
Black said that coaching staff will decide who to play and who to drop when the right time comes.
“That’s our decision to make. When the time comes, we’ll decide on that. But the idea is we’re struggling with our injuries, especially with our frontcourt. We’re happy to have him,” added Black, whose team sports a 1-1 card.
Black said Seigle will not play today against Alaska at the Mall of Asia Arena but could make his debut on Tuesday against Globalport at the same venue.