Carey keys early Tropang Texters surge

MANILA—Having a workhorse willing to do anything for the team proved a blessing for Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes.

Harvey Carey, the do-it-all forward, was cited as the first Accel-PBA Player of the Week for the young season yesterday after averaging a double-double in the Tropang Texters’ two wins in the Philippine Cup.

Carey’s feat was all the more impressive because he came off the bench each time to average 29 minutes an outing. Working on his own, Carey normed 18.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 blocks.

“Harvey certainly deserves the award,” said Reyes of the 31-year-old Carey, who was picked 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.”

In an 87-76 win over defending champion B-Meg Derby Ace, Carey scored 17 points and hauled down as many boards 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 Sunday.