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ACES START TITLE DEFENSE VS TOUGH TEXTERS
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Despite the return of Best Import winner Rob Dozier, Alaska coach Luigi Trillo doesn’t expect things to be easy in their title defense of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Not in their first game versus Talk n Text at 8 p.m. in the tournament opener Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“Talk n Text is a tough opponent. Every time we play them, our game is usually decided in the last play,” said Trillo who nonetheless expressed excitement on their return to the playing court.
“I’m excited for our guys. I’m sure they miss playing,” said Trillo, whose team was among the early casualties in the recent Philippine Cup.
Talk n Text, which like Alaska failed to make it past the quarterfinals in the first conference, is looking forward to a good start.
“This is an import-reinforced conference so we need Richard Howell to be productive especially on the defensive end,” said Talk n Text coach Norman Black.
“Howell has good credentials in the NBA D-League so we will have our hands full,” said Trillo.
The youthful Alaska mentor sees a tough road ahead for his troops as he considers San Mig Coffee, Barangay Ginebra, San Miguel Beer, Rain or Shine and Talk n Text as the heavy favorites to contend for the crown that the Aces won over the Kings last year via a 3-0 sweep in their best-of-five title showdown.
“The playing field is different this conference,” he said.
“Tough teams have found ways to even get stronger by adding depth through the Draft and player movements. Big men this year are changing the game,” Trillo pointed out.
“Asi’s back and the additions of Slaughter, Aguilar, Fajardo, Sangalang, Al-Hussaini and Almazan have strengthened teams,” Trillo added.
Taulava, Slaughter, Aguilar, Fajardo, Sangalang and Almazan have particularly improved the sizes and ceilings of Air21, Ginebra, San Miguel Beer, San Mig Coffee and Rain or Shine, respectively.
Alaska, meanwhile, has only become older – and perhaps wiser – in retaining the nucleus of its 2013 roster. Two new additions seeing minimal action in the Philippine Cup were Ryan Buenafe and Christopher Exciminiano.
Still composing Trillo’s core group are Sonny Thoss, Cyrus Baguio, Jayvee Casio, Calvin Abueva, Gabby Espinas, Dondon Hontiveros, RJ Jazul, Tony del a Cruz and Sam Eman.
What could be Alaska’s key advantage over the others is the tested chemistry of the Alaska locals with Dozier.
“Rob is getting back to shape,” said Trillo of his prized import who’s taken a long rest after his PBA stint last year. (SB)
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