(CNN Philippines) — Talk ‘N Text guard Kevin Alas showed he’s one tough rookie during the Tropang Texters’ 3-1 disposing of the Purefoods Star Hotshots in the semifinal series of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup.
In fact, being on the receiving end of shoves and elbows even fired Alas up as he had solid contributions off the bench that proved to be instrumental in Talk ‘N Text’s conquest of Purefoods.
But is he ready for what is expected to be another highly physical slugfest against the rugged Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the finals?
Related: Rain or Shine, Talk ‘N Text ‘ready for war’
“Since sa Letran physical na (yung laro). Siguro lahat ng napuntahan kong team since then physical, so ready naman ako kung tirahin ako,” said Alas, who will go up against the team that selected him in the 2014 PBA Draft.
“Hindi naman ako makikipag-away. Prepared lang ako palagi sa physicality.”
Perhaps the one month of practice with Rain or Shine also helped with his preparation. He was traded to the Tropang Texters prior to the Philippine Cup.
The best-of-seven series, which unfolds on Wednesday (April 15), will also see him tackle former Letran teammate Raymond Almazan.
“Puro runner-up lang kami nung college. Ito yung chance namin para maalis yung brand na runner-up lang kami,” he said.
But once the dust settles, only one of them can become a champion.
Aware of his former teammate’s capabilities, Alas wished in a jocular fashion Almazan would have a sloppy performance in the finals.
