The Alaska Aces have brought in Nino Johnson as their new foreign reinforcement for the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, multiple sources have told Tiebreaker Times.
The 6-foot-9 center from Memphis, Tennessee will take the place of 35-year-old Chris Daniels.
Daniels was Alaska’s first import in this mid-season conference. He played in all six games so far, posting per-game averages of 20.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 4.0 turnovers.
With him, the Aces have amassed a 4-2 record and are in the midst of a three-game winning streak.
Daniels hasn’t left the country yet, though, and is still partaking in team practices, the source said. The Alaska management’s plans for the 11-year pro are still unknown, the source added.
Meanwhile, Johnson brings youth, as he is just 26 years old. He is coming off a stint with Memphis Hustle in the NBA G-League, where he normed 6.3 points, 5.3 boards, 1.3 blocks, and 1.2 assists.
Johnson has been playing professionally since 2016. He has played in Finland, Poland, and Iceland.
Johnson has been in the Philippines since last week, the source said. He is expected to make his debut this Saturday, June 15, when the Aces take on the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters
