Hard-luck Aces look forward to brighter Fiesta Conference

Still licking the wounds after their 0-4 finals setback to Purefoods in the recent Philippine Cup, the Alaska Aces are looking forward for a brighter campaign in the Philippine Basketball Association’s Fiesta Conference. With a 6’9 slotman in Sam Eman and a young, energetic import in Diamon Simpson joining the squad, Alaska coach Tim Cone is excited to see how the Aces will perform in the import-laden conference.

“We’re excited to have Sam (Eman) and we’re looking forward seeing our import (Simpson). He’s only 22 and I haven’t spoken to him yet," Cone told GMANews.TV. Alaska picked Eman, formerly of San Miguel Beer, from the unrestricted free agent list, an action that was questioned by the Beermen but eventually declared legal by PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios. Young reinforcement Simpson, for his part, was a member of the All-America Defensive Team while playing for the St. Mary’s Gaels. Simpson averaged almost a double-double of 15.5 points and 9.6 rebounds with the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the National Basketball Association Developmental League. But Simpson’s strength lies more on the defensive end. He averaged 1.7 steals and 1.6 blocks per game manning the power forward slot for his collegiate squad. In 2008, he was named as the Defensive Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com. Simpson’s inclusion will help bolster the frontline of Alaska along with towering new acquisition Eman and 6’7 mainstay Sonny Thoss. "Diamon Simpson is one of the more under appreciated players in America," was how Simpson was described by CollegeInsider.com's Matt Drake. "He brings an energy and intensity to the floor that is unmatched. He sets the tone with his ability to defend and create opportunities for his teammates. He is as important to his team's success as any player in the country." - GMANews.TV