PBA: Alvarez transfers to TNT

MANILA, Philippines – Former Ateneo standout Rich Alvarez will move to Talk ‘N Text (TNT) for the coming 36th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season.
According to PBA.ph, Alvarez, the 2005 Rookie of the Year, will take the place of Ranidel de Ocampo who is recovering from knee injury.
“Rich is filling the spot of Ranidel,” said TNT team manager Aboy Castro.
De Ocampo underwent surgery to remove bone spurs in his knee. He will not likely be back for hard court action until the end of the year.
Also being tested as a possible addition to the Tropang Texters’ line up is Mark Telan.

Rich Alvarez

“Telan is trying out and we’re looking at his condition,” said Castro.

Talk ‘N Text, which is set to compete in the Qatar Invitational late September, is beefing up its squad with the departure of top scorer Mark Cardona, who was shipped to new PBA team Meralco Bolts.
The Tropang Texters will face the Qatar national team, France Team B, and a Slovenian team in the tournament.

“It’s really a tough competition. The organizers allow us to bring imports but we opt not to in preparation for the PBA all-Filipino conference,” said Castro