Talk ‘N Text hires new import in the hopes of turning fortunes around in the PBA

Games today:

Cuneta Astrodome

5:15 p.m.- Alaska vs. Barako Bull

7:30 p.m.- Talk ‘N Text vs. Rain or Shine

The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters parade a new import when they tackle the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in today’s main game of the 38th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

In danger of missing the playoffs, the Texters made a drastic move by becoming the first team to change import in the season-ending conference.

The Texters decided to send the high-scoring Tony Mitchell home and brought in North Carolina State wingman Courtney Fells, a 27-year-old Shannon, Mississippi native.

“We hope to get a lift from him especially on the defensive end of the floor,” Talk ‘N Text head coach Norman Black told pba.ph.

The Texters are currently at ninth place with a 2-5 (win-loss) card, occupying the bottom two with the Air21 Express, who are at 10th spot with a 2-6 slate. The two teams with the worst records after the eliminations will be booted out.

“It’s pretty much do or die for us,” Black said. “It’s a tough task but we will give all our energy to get a win.”

Rain or Shine will try to formalize its entry to the quarterfinal round.

Carrying a 4-4 record, the Painters are tied at fourth spot with the Barako Bull Energy Colas behind joint second placers Meralco (5-3) and San Mig Coffee (5-3).

Rain or Shine and Barako Bull are half-a-game ahead of Alaska (3-4) and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (3-4).

The Energy Colas and the Aces try beef up their own playoff bid when they collide in the first game.