PBA: Kia's for real, says Alaska coach Compton

 

Alaska coach Alex Compton was all praises for Kia after the Carnival soundly beat the Aces 103-89 on Tuesday, saying that the expansion team has definitely grown competitive this conference.

 

Kia has a serious shot of making it to the playoffs with a 4-5 card for eighth spot in the standings while slaying champion teams San Miguel Beer, Purefoods, Talk 'N Text, and Alaska on the way.

 

"Kia's for real," the coach told reporters after the game. "It's hard to come into the PBA and win, and they've beat four of the best franchises in the history of the league in this conference alone."

 

The Carnival, which made its debut as a franchise this season, only had a lone victory in its maiden conference last Philippine Cup. It defeated fellow expansion team Blackwater before losing their next 10 games, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

 

With the aid of 7-foot-4 import Peter John Ramos and new hirees Mark Yee, Leo Avenido, and JR Cawaling, Kia is showing a different look now in the Commissioner's Cup. Playing oach Manny Pacquiao even went as far as to challenge the team to bid for the championship before he left for the United States for his training camp.

 

Central to their successes this conference is the behemoth Ramos, who has been a dominant presence in the post with his towering height and huge body. His numbers are through the roof after nine games, averaging 34.3 points, 21 rebounds, and three assists.

 

"Parang American quarterback din, the way he holds the ball. And he's hitting guys perfectly," said Compton about Ramos' kick out pass to Kia's shooters in the three-point arc.

 

All-Star coaching

 

Compton, who will coach the South All-Stars this coming weekend in the PBA's annual showcase, quipped that he's thinking about stealing from the Kia playbook.

 

The American coach, however, wants to put his own twist: having point guard Jimmy Alapag playing center, while his triple towers June Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter, and Asi Taulava will snipe from the outside. Compton calls it "the reverse-Ramos play."

 

"Maybe we gotta put those guys in the three point line, post Jimmy and see if they double him," joked the coach. "Kick it out to Asi or Greg or June Mar for the three."

 

The All-Star game will be held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Sunday. —JST, GMA News