ACES BRING BACK DOZIER FOR 3RD TOUR OF DUTY

Currently tied up in the Dubai league, Rob Dozier has requested his release papers so that he can go on another tour of duty with the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Basketball Association.

“His agent in the US and his local agent are confident he’ll be released peacefully,” said Alaska governor and team manager Dickie Bachmann.

Earlier, a Philippine sports portal reported that Purefoods Star considered tapping the one-time Best Import awardee.

The Aces’ management, however, stressed they’re exercising their rights of first refusal on the former University of Memphis stalwart, looking to bring him over for the third straight year.

“Since we’ve yet to formalize our deal, I would say it’s 85 percent sure Rob would be our import in the Commissioner’s Cup,” said Bachmann.

“He’s a little over 6-foot-8, and he’s really perfect for this tournament with a 6-foot-9 ceiling (among the imports of the Top Eight in the Philippine Cup),” Bachmann pointed out.

In his initial stint with Alaska in 2013, Dozier powered the Aces to a three-game sweep of Vernon Macklin and the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the title playoff.

The Aces eased out the Air21 Express in the quarterfinals before bundling out the San Mig Coffee Mixers in the semifinals.

Dozier returned to play for Alaska last year but the Aces failed to defend the crown that eventually went to the SMC Mixers.

Alaska placed third behind the Talk n Text Tropang Texters and the San Miguel Beermen in the elimination round, but was upset by sixth-ranked and eventual champion San Mig Coffee in the quarters.

In 2013, Dozier came in with impressive credentials that includes being a member of the Memphis Tigers team that reached the US NCAA Final in 2008.

He proved tailor-fit for the Aces, going home with a PBA championship ring and Best Import honors. (SB)

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