Harvey carries load for Chot's Talk N Text

MANILA, Philippines - Harvey Carey put up a pair of double-double games to help power Talk n Text to the early lead in the PBA Philippine Cup.

But what made his feat doubly impressive was that he dished off the big numbers while coming off the bench.

In a team teeming with talent, Carey’s chances of making it to the starting unit are indeed slim. But the do-it-all TnT forward is happy with his role, making the most of his limited time.

That’s why TnT coach Chot Reyes cannot help but be thankful for having him in his roster.

Carey, who averaged 29 minutes in TnT’s first two games, has no plays designed for him and yet put up norms of 18.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 block to emerge the first Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the young season.

“Harvey certainly deserves the award,” said Reyes of the 31-year-old player picked at fourth overall in the 2003 draft.

“What makes his numbers more impressive is that we don’t call any plays for him and he’s doing it in less than 30 minutes of average playing time,” Reyes said.

Carey showcased that first in an 87-76 win over defending champion B-MEG Derby Ace, scoring 17 points and hauling down as many rebounds last Wednesday.

The San Francisco-born player did himself better with 20 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and a block in a 97-83 win over another pre-season favorite in San Miguel Beer last Sunday.

With Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams, Jared Dillinger, Ryan Reyes and Jason Castro doing their own share, TnT has managed to buck the absence of another versatile but injured forward in Ranidel de Ocampo.

And the Texters are giving their coach additional reason to be optimistic as the team will be in good shape when Williams joins the national team to the Guangzhou Asian Games next month.