Texters have high hopes for import Benson

Keith Benson has yet to formally suit up for Talk ‘N Text but he has already received one of the warmest welcomes among the imports in the Commissioners Cup: a five-day holiday trip in Hong Kong.

No less than team manager Aboy Castro shared the development during a recent interview with Yahoo! Philippines, with the Tropang Texters getting a much deserved reward after completing a ‘three-peat’ in the Philippine Cup last week.

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“Pag-alis namin for Hong Kong sa Friday (today) kasama rin namin siya,” he related.

It will be a five-day trip for the whole TNT crew, which is also expected to lend support to the Gilas Pilipinas national team handled by former mentor Chot Reyes and is competing in the 19th Super Kung Sheung Cup, according to Castro.

“We’ll also watch the Gilas play and we’ll support them na rin. Kaya fans muna kami du’n. at least, sama-sama kaming manonood. Kasama rin namin ang pamilya ng bawat player,” he added.

Talk ‘N Text, which came up short against San Mig Coffee (then known as the B-Meg Llamados) in an epic finals showdown that went the full seven-game route last year, plans to resume its practice on Jan. 31, nine days before setting their lofty bid in the mid-season tourney against sister team Meralco at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Castro admitted he has only seen a glimpse of Benson during an informal practice with the team’s assistant coaches, but sounded thrilled with the arrival of the 6-foot-10 Oakland University standout, who is also the youngest import at 24, saying: “We’re very excited to be with Keith.”

“We haven’t seen him practice or play against PBA players. Until I see him on Jan. 31, we’ll have a nice idea of what he can do and where he can help us,” he added.

Having been named back-to-back Summit League Player of the Year (2010 and 2011) and a one-time Defensive Player of the Year as a Golden Grizzly, Benson could not help but be compared to former TNT import Donnell Harvey, who is currently seeing action with the Tianjin Ronggang in the Chinese Basketball Association.

“Basically, they both love to play defense. They both love to run and they both love to rebound na malaking bagay. Parehas silang tahimik in terms of character. Silent worker kumbaga,” noted Castro. “Donell obviously knows how to use his body as his leverage to stay low. Magaling siyang pumosisyon on defense.”

“With Keith naman, I think, because of his length, youth and athleticism at this point, he’ll be a better shot blocker. He’s a weak-side defender and I think he can match up with any other import. I think Keith will be a more versatile offensive threat. He can shoot with both hands. He has a better outside shot and confidence in 18-foot shots,” he added.

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With coach Norman Black known for putting a premium on defense, Castro is convinced Benson will quickly mesh with the system along with his local teammates led by skipper Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro and Kelly Williams, among others.

Hindi niya naexperience ‘yung championship (atmosphere) but he understands the expectation of excellence in this organization. Sabi nga ni coach Norman, ‘Defense wins championships.’ Kaya pasok na pasok si Benson sa amin. Hopefully, he’ll be able to lead us (to the crown),” he concluded.