More than two months ago, multi-titled Philippine Basketball Association coach Chot Reyes of Talk N Text recorded a feat never been achieved by any of the all-time great mentors in the 36-year history of the pro league.

The fashionable bench tactician became the first coach in PBA history to win at least two championships in three different teams. He won his second title with the telecommunications franchise by winning the Philippine Cup crown, the same championship which he won for the squad two years ago.

Reyes also won championships with Purefoods/Coney Island (1993 All-Filipino, 1994 Commissioner’s Cup) and Coca-Cola (2002 All-Filipino, 2003 Reinforced).

But the three-time Coach of the Year awardee admitted during a get-together with friends that he’s far from satisfied.

“Matakaw akong tao. That’s why, I am still hungry," added Reyes, who disclosed his hunger for yet another achievement.

That achievement is the back-to-back championships, a feat which eluded his already illustrious career.

“There was a time I was in the finals four straight times, but I never won back-to-back titles," said Reyes.

Now Reyes gets a chance to make it two in a row as his heavily-favored team Talk N Text enters the Finals anew and meets Barangay Ginebra beginning Wednesday for the best-of-seven championship series of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Reyes’ counterpart, Jong Uichico of Ginebra, believes his rival has a good shot of achieving such rare feat.

“He has a good chance. He has the materials and his team is playing excellent basketball," said Uichico. “We have a work cut out for us and we have to be aggressive."

Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio, Reyes' co-recipient for the Coach of the Year award in 2002, picked Talk N Text as the overwhelming favorites over the Gin Kings.

“This is a dream match-up that will capture the imagination of every basketball-loving Filipino. It is no secret that they (Talk N Text and Ginebra) have no love for one another," said Gregorio.

Gregorio’s observation was based on facts. During the transition period of the 2004-2005 season, the two teams battled it out in a controversial series in the Philippine Cup. The battle was brought in and out of the basketball court.

Talk N Text won the first game of the series, but forfeited the match after fielding in starting center Asi Taulava, who was then ineligible to play. The case was even brought to the court room while the series was ongoing.

In the end, the Gin Kings prevailed in six games.

In last season’s quarterfinal round of the Philippine Cup, the Gin Kings also won the series, 3-2, but not after another dramatic moment which took place in Game 4.

The Tropang Texters walked out of the match with still a minute left in the first period and trailed the Gin Kings, 27-20. Their action proved to be costly as they were meted the biggest fine in the history of the pro league — P1.2-million.

More than a year has passed and Talk N Text has since become a more matured, more successful team as proven by its performance in the first two conferences this season.

Domination has been the name of the game for the Tropang Texters, who won 11 straight games en route to booking a second straight Finals stint and quickly becoming the odds on favorite against the Gin Kings.

“Talk N Text has the distinct advantage in terms of roster power. They have fresher legs (well-rested) and free from injury. But I could not easily dismiss Ginebra. They know that father time is fast catching-up and this is their best chance to win another championship. Courage is their best weapon," added Gregorio.

Still, Gregorio was able to compare the big difference between a banged-up team and a squad that is perfectly healthy.

“However, Talk N Text has won 11 straight games and swept Air21 for an easy ride to the Finals. Ginebra battled a tough Smart Gilas team and won despite an injury-laden roster. If you are going to war, you want a complete arsenal. Ginebra is short-handed. For that reason alone, I give Talk N Text an overwhelming advantage to win the championship."

Uichico himself agrees on Gregorio's analysis his team is the underdog in the series.

“No doubt about it," said Uichico, not denying the fact that Talk N Text is definitely the heavy favorite in the series. “But we will compete no matter what. That’s the only chance for us to win — to keep on competing."