TEAM chemistry is one of the main reasons why Talk N Text Tropang Giga decided to bring in Mckenzie Moore as their import in the coming PBA Governors' Cup.
Moore will be a good team player, according to Talk N Text assistant coach Josh Reyes.
"Aside from his availability, we believe that our import McKenzie will not disrupt the team chemistry. Relationship-wise, he is a good team player," Reyes told the weekly TOPS "Usapang Sports on Air" via Zoom last Nov. 4.
"We talked about it. We can bring an NBA-caliber import pero baka kailangan naming baguhin ang philosophy ng team. Sayang naman ang na-build na namin na programa this past conference, lalong-lalo nang nagsisimula pa lang kami," explained Reyes, son of TNT head coach Chot Reyes.
"We discussed it at the end of the conference and we thought it as a beginning of what we're trying to build in our franchise. The search for our import is the same thing. We want the character of our import, who fits in the philosophy of what we're trying to do with our team."
Reyes said another plus factor for Moore is that he has already played extensively with Talk N Text's prized MVP-Rookie candidate Mikey Williams.
"Mckenzie and Mikey played together for Mighty Sports in the 2019 Jones Cup in Taiwan. Malaking bagay yun na pagpasok ng import namin, may kaibigan na kaagad sa team. Mikey was able to vouch for the character of Mckenzie. Malaking bagay sa atin yun. Both Mckenzie and Mikey are both LA natives, so dun pa lang nagkikita na sila even before their time sa Mighty Sports. Hopefully, things turns out well," explained Reyes.
"Actually, nakalaro na namin siya (Moore) for one game sa East Asia Super League in Macau. He performed very well. In my short experience with Mckenzie, I know he's a very good teammate. Magaan dalhin at hindi siya magiging pabigat sa team whether mag-bubble man uli ang PBA or sa Manila na ang mga games."
Reyes said he sees no problem with Moore, the 29-year-old native of Sta. Rosa, California.
Moore also played alongside KC McDaniels as Talk N Text import in the East Asia Super League (EASL) in 2019, although the Texters failed to advance to the semis.
"I know there will be no problem with McKenzie. He is already available pero hindi pa namin mapalipad because of the uncertainties of our health situation. But I think the other PBA teams have this experience na they risk losing the imports that they signed because of the schedules. Madami pa din tayong restrictions due to the pandemic."
"It also helps that the height limit for the second conference was adjusted to 6-6 kasi medyo hindi kami sigurado kung papasok si McKenzie sa 6-5."
Joining Reyes in the weekly public service program sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and shown on Facebook Live are players Brian Heruela and Glenn Khobuntin.
Both Heruela and Khobuntin called the championship as "one of the biggest achievements in their basketball careers." Robert Andaya

TNT Tropang Giga coach Josh  Reyes and players Brian Heruela and Glenn Khobuntin are the special guests  in last Thursday's TOPS "Usapang Sports on Air".
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