MANILA, Philippines — Versatile San Miguel Beer forward Jay Washington will be a marked man when he and the Beermen go up against the top-seeded Talk ‘N Text in their PBA Philippine Cup Finals showdown starting this Saturday in Victorias, Negros Occidental.

TNT coach Chot Reyes said he intends not just one player to handle Washington but will throw in another to contain San Miguel’s scoring machine who has made known his desire for “revenge” after feeling rejected when TNT traded him to his current team.

The 6-foot-7 Washington, who made no secret about his burning desire to get back at Talk ’N Text after being traded to San Miguel three years ago, is leading the team with 15 points and 10 rebounds a game, figures not lost on Reyes.

The top seeded Tropang Texters left for Bacolod City on Thursrday to prepare for the series opener opposite the No. 2 Beermen on Saturday at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center.

But it’s not just Washington that is giving Reyes some sleepless nights, there’s also Alex Cabagnot who will also get special attention from the Texters.

“We really have to worry about everybody on San Miguel,” Reyes said last Wednesday when the team had its finalpractice session at the Moro Lorenzo gym in Katipunan, Quezon City. “But obviously we have to pay particular emphasis on Cabagnot and J-Wash.”

Aside from Cabagnot and Washington, Reyes said they must also keep close eye on Dondon Hontiveros, Arwind Santos, as well as the rejuvenated Danny Seigle and Danny ildefonso.

If there’s one advantage that Reyes thinks that will favor them in the best-of-seven series, it is their quickness.

“I think we’re quicker,” Reyes said. “I think they have more championship experience, they have more veteran poiseand leadership, but I think we have the advantage in quickness.”

“So this is going to depend on which is able to impose its will over the other,” added Reyes.

Reyes also sees a marathon series, meaning a Game 7.

“Every time we play a series like this, I condition myself and my players to play seven games. That’s that only way to prepare it. If it ends shorter than that then it’s a bonus. But we’re ready to play seven games,” he said.

Meanwhile, Reyes said he understands the sentiments of Washington regarding the trade issue.

“I can understand where he is coming from. That’s good. That means we’ll really have a hard-fought series. I respect his thoughts and his feelings.”

Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin