Alaska aims to end nine-year All-Filipino title drought

Rating his team for the first four games, Alaska coach Tim Cone believes the Aces carry the highest card in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.

“Some people thought our team is not capable of making it among the top teams in the tournament. At least this early, we’re No.1 along with defending champion Talk ‘N Text. Hope we can continue doing the same thing reaching the tough grind," Cone told GMANews.TV. The Aces zoomed on top of the standings after picking up their fourth straight win in as many games with a 105-96 triumph over the Barangay Ginebra Kings Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. But there’s an added motivation for Cone this season aside from atoning from their painful finals setback against the Tropang Texters, who defeated them in a seven-game championship series. The team has yet to win an All-Filipino championship for almost a decade and the long wait has certainly fired up Cone as well. “We’re so close in winning the big one last season, but we fell short," said Cone. It’s been quite awhile not winning the All-Filipino." “Of course, there’s an extra motivation for me in getting that elusive crown. It’s the most prestigious title, but right now, we’re not thinking that far ahead, although I’m so pleased with what I’m seeing with my team this early." The last time Alaska won an All-Filipino title was in 2000 when the Aces still have Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Bong Hawkins, Poch Juinio and Kenneth Duremdes. This season, the Aces appeared to be finding their rhythm – and cohesion they’ve been looking for. “There’s a better reason for us keeping the team together rather than just picking up good players during the off season. We’re more concerned more on the team chemistry," said Cone. “Now, we have established our team chemistry more and it has provided us good results." By keeping their line up intact, the Aces are enjoying the view from the top. Mark Borboran got the minutes he needed now and has performed through expectations, so are the other shock troopers like old reliables Jeffrey Cariaso, Larry Fonacier and Tony Dela Cruz. Of course, the Aces still have two-time most valuable player Willie Miller to count on. “Mark Borboran is one of those players who have taken the next step, but one player who was hardly been given credit was Tony Dela Cruz. There are so many things he does that doesn’t show on stats," said Cone. – GMANews.TV