It was clearly heartbreaking for the Alaska Aces when they lost in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals to the conference’s then-defending champions San Miguel Beermen, since they knew they had a chance.
But for Simon Enciso, that only added more fuel to his desire to get better.
In the Aces’ last two games in the 2018 Governors’ Cup, the 5-foot-11 guard has been shooting excellently. Against the TNT KaTropa last Sunday, Enciso knocked down nine three-pointers en route to 30 points to lead his team to the 125-96 win.
And versus former teammate Calvin Abueva and the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Wednesday night, Enciso produced 18 points built on six triples to help the Milkmen to a 108-97 victory for a 3-0 start in the season-ending conference.
“I’ve just been in the gym lately. Last conference I had a good taste in the semis, how close we can get to the Finals. It just inspired me and added more fire to my motivation to get back to gym and really work on my craft.
“All my hard work is just paying off right now,” said Enciso.
This clearly isn’t the kind of Simon Enciso who entered Alaska back in 2017. The Fil-American tried his best to emulate the way he played for previous team Phoenix with the Aces, but he wasn’t able get anything to go his way back then.
So for Enciso, this is now the time that he’s grasping head coach Alex Compton’s system.
“I’m really comfortable now. You know, with the help of coach Alex, the coaching staff, the management, my teammates, especially the veterans – Vic [Manuel], Sonny [Thoss], JVee [Casio], Chris [Banchero] – they really helped me out.
“It’s just a matter of time ’til I get comfortable, and, you know, help the team out anytime I can,” the 27-year-old said.
