With Antonio Campbell getting called up by the Orlando Magic to play for their team in the NBA Summer League, the Alaska Aces are bringing back Diamon Simpson for the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup, according to reports on Thursday.
Campbell was the Aces’ import right from the start of the mid-season conference. He impressed in his debut last April 27 despite losing to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 103-109, as he had 40 points and 20 rebounds.
Campbell’s last game for the Aces was against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel last June 24, where he became a marked man and was limited to just six points on nine shots along with eight rebounds. Alaska lost that bout, 86-105.
The 6-foot-9, 21-year-old helped the Aces clinch a quarterfinal berth, and the team are now a game away from a twice-to-beat edge. Campbell will be leaving the Milkmen with norms of 22.6 points, 14.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks.
Simpson, on the other hand, should not find it hard to adjust with the Aces.
Simpson last played for Alaska back in 2010, in a particularly memorable stint for him and the franchise, as he helped the Aces capture the Fiesta Conference title at the expense of Gabe Freeman and the San Miguel Beermen.
The 30-year-old forward, a veteran journeyman for almost a decade now, is coming off a stint with Büyükçekmece Basketbol in the Turkish Basketball Super League. Simpson has been with the ball club since 2017.
The 6-foot-7 Simpson should be ready for the Aces’ match versus the Phoenix Fuel Masters this Friday, July 6, at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Aside from the import change, Alaska is also tweaking their local lineup, as they will be fielding in Jeron Teng in lieu of seldom-used guard Davon Potts. Teng has recovered from the stabbing incident he got into early in June.
Teng might see action also this Friday.
