Elder statesmen are present for a reason. Just ask 35-year-old Sonny Thoss.
Moments after Alaska had posted their second straight win at the expense of the Blackwater Elite, 109-95, Alaska head coach Alex Compton quipped that 13-year league veteran Sonny Thoss needed to get an ice bath pretty soon.
Aside from chipping in 10 points by shooting 5-of-10 from the floor along with seven boards, Sonny Thoss was tasked to guard 6-foot-9 Blackwater import Greg Smith. And as expected, Alaska’s soldier accepted the responsibility.
The NBA veteran was on pace to post a 20-20 game, but Thoss was able to stand his ground. Smith then became foul-plagued, and in the 7:28 mark of the final period, he bade goodbye after committing his sixth foul — a blocking foul on Thoss.
Even Aces head coach Alex Compton praised the Filipino-German big man during his post-game press conference.
“It’s a good thing Sonny was able to grab some fouls on him,” Compton remarked.
“I was just trying to stay aggressive,” said the six-foot-seven Thoss in his part.
But Thoss was also quick to deflect the credit to his teammates, saying that he wouldn’t be able to perform better if it weren’t for the support they gave him.
“My teammates were also behind me so they also deserve the credit. The guards are helping me, the (big) guys are helping me like Cory [Jefferson],” said Thoss.
“I know I have my teammates behind me so they give me more confidence to be aggressive.”
And one of those he praised was Aces’ foreign reinforcement Jefferson, who has been a solid contributor for the Aces even if he was just a replacement import.
“He’s only had a few practices with us, but he’s shown the sky’s the limit.
“We’re just trying to maximize the things with him. He’s a great guy,” lauded Thoss of Jefferson.
The Aces are now off to a good start in the import-laden conference despite the absence of key players in Vic Manuel and Dondom Hontiveros. And for Thoss, the team’s depth and their readiness are what makes all the difference.
“It’s equal opportunity. When someone goes down — God forbids — but it happens, there’s always someone there who’s ready to step up,” said the former national team member.
“That’s the great thing about our team. Everybody is ready to step up and play when the ball comes.”
