Alaska head coach Jeffrey Cariaso had high hopes for Branden Dawson from the moment he saw him join Alaska’s practice last week, saying that the American would be a good fit for the Aces in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup.
But Cariaso could only hope. On Monday, the league ruled Dawson ineligible to play in the season-ending tilt. The official measurements showed that he is 1/4-inch over the 6-foot-5 height limit among imports for the conference.
“Actually, very disappointing,” Cariaso told Tiebreaker Times. “Wala pang one-week si Branden dito, but I can honestly say that he adapted one of the fastest that I’ve ever seen. What I mean about that is nagustuhan siya ng players kaagad.
“We saw from the first day of practice that he will fit us well. Pero ganoon talaga. Rules are rules, we have to abide.”
Cariaso assumed the Aces’ head coaching duties last August 22, and he already problems this early. He admitted that it’s challenging, but he’s optimistic they will find a replacement for Dawson in time.
“It’s actually very challenging,” he said. “The idea was for him to be here early enough so you can learn the system, get to know his teammates better. Pero ngayon may konting setback kasi nga, yun nga, we have to change him.
“But may oras pa. Kahit papano, may oras pa. So we’re optimistic that we’ll find the right guy for us,” Cariaso furthered, as the Governors’ Cup is set to raise its curtains on September 20 — just less than three weeks from now.
Asked if Alaska has prospects for its new reinforcement, Cariaso said it has, though he refused to name names. “To be honest with you, there are. I just don’t want to mention any as of right now,” said the former PBA star.
“But there’s always a backup involved when you’re talking about imports. There are always several names involved that you have to kinda be in the loop with, just in case something like this happens. That’s where we are now,” he added.
“We’re just kinda finalizing small details here and there. We’re making sure na sana hindi maulit ulit yung mangyari.”
Cariaso also admitted Mike Harris is on the list. Harris is the conference’s reigning Best Import, having steered the Aces to the Finals last Governors’ Cup. Still, Cariaso added that they are also looking at other possible options.
“He’s part of the list, I will say that na lang. But aside from him, there are also others we are looking at.”
