The Talk and Text Grandslam Question

1998, during the Centennial Team formation, the Alaska Aces (Then Milkmen) were on a roll. The Milkmen won 2 straight titles at the expense of the Beermen (1998  All Filipino Cup and Commisioner's Cup) and was nearing a grandslam. However, their core of the Flying A, Jolas and Captain Marbel including their  coach went up  went up and compromised the core of the PBA Centennial Team. While the Sacrifice was moderately Successful, (1998 Asian Games Bronze Medal) It did tamper Alaska's bit for the governor's cup championship as Davis, Chambers and their role players clearly weren't enough. As Shell and Mobiline (Talk N Text) dominated the Governor's Cup and the Pocket tournament Centennial Cup.

Now in 2011, The Tropang Texters are facing the same dilemma. The Texters will loan key players Jimmy Alapag and Kelly Williams to its Sister team Smart Gilas Pilipinas as they go battle in the Fiba Asia Championships later this year. The last time they loaned their players to the national team, they wounded up second place in the 2007 Fiesta Conference.

Record in PBA tournaments with loaned stars:

1998 Centennial Cup: Champions
1998 Governor's Cup: 1st Runner Up
2002 Governor's Cup: quarterfinals, eliminated by 8th seed SMB (but was top in win loss rankings)
2002 Commissioner's Cup : 1st Runner Up
2007 Fiesta Conference: 1st Runner Up

A decent showing, However, Key players from other teams were also pulled out from the squad back then. Unlike now where only 3 teams will be affected. Competition will be tougher for sure, even with 20 minutes a game from a rumored "answer" or even from a former NBA journeyman would be a guarantee.The Texters, even without 2 key players would still be a formidable team. heck, with how imbalanced the league is today, It's reserves can even be starters or star players for the lower tier teams. As for accomplishing a grand slam the first year the league has reformatted back to the 3 conference format remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, they have a legitimate chance at it.