Although not yet done with their PBA Philippine Cup campaign, the Alaska Aces already had one eye on the Commissioner’s Cup as they brought back former Best Import Rob Dozier.
Dozier had led the Aces to their last title during the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup, where he averaged 20.1 PPG, 17.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 2.9 BPG. The 6-foot-9 big man was present when the Aces scored a 109-84 Game 4 win over Globalport, and Dozier was left impressed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlRi3pkLWp8
“We are a lot deeper, we play up tempo, we get up and down and pressure. Get the ball back fast and get good shots. That looked good out there today, I was impressed,” Dozier said, adding that he feels “definitely excited” for the next conference.
“I’ve been trying to get here since last year. I know it is a new style, new system, new coach, but the guys look great together, they look happy and comfortable so I will just come in and bring what I bring to this team. Hopefully we can continue the winning ways this team has already set.”
Dozier shared that he had already attended practice to get a feel of Philippine basketball anew, and he hopes to blend in well for Alaska, to have the ideal chemistry right when the Commissioner’s Cup tips off.
“I started today, I got a little workout. I am not practicing too much (yet), I am just starting to learn the new plays, some of the offense, and we will go from there. I hear some rules have changed and are little different so I have to adjust to that as well,” he said.
Dozier last played for Dubai-based Al Shabab and Le Mans Sarthe Basket, a French squad participating in the EuroCup, a second-tier competition behind the EuroLeague.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7rON8wQ0sA
Playing with more maturity now, the 30-year-old big hopes to lead Alaska all the way again. Indeed, the Aces’ drive for Commissioner’s Cup glory started early, and it is only fitting that they have brought someone who knows how to take them there.
“I am more mature and more patient than I was here the last time. I am more confident and I am older now so I have more experience, so a lot of things that might have been hard before might be a little easier now. I am in pretty good shape and ready to go,” Dozier said.
“I know it is still going to be a while still, so we are not doing much practices, but once that time comes they are finished (with the Philippine Cup) I hope we can win the whole thing and finally play together.”
Videos from YouTube Channel dikkiscafe
