RK ILAGAN may have played at a time when the result of Alaska’s game over Blackwater was already settled, but his performance didn't escape the attention of fans.
The 5-foot-7 Ilagan only played for a minute and 47 seconds of the Aces’ 103-77 win over the Bossing but finished with eight points on a perfect 3-of-3 from the field including two threes.
However brief, Ilagan’s play drew raves on social media after he made an immediate impact during his first game with the Aces. ONE Sports even put together a video of Ilagan's conversions which it posted on Facebook.
Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso was certainly paying attention.
“You saw at the end how impressive RK can be. He is our little spitfire. We are excited about him,” said Cariaso of the former San Sebastian cager and Tondo native who he took in the third round pick (31st overall) of the draft.
Ben Adamos also gave a good account of himself with Alaska’s first-round pick out of San Beda and Perpetual Help pouring in seven points and five rebounds.
Cariaso said he has already told his rookies that they will be playing a vital part of the Alaska campaign this season.
“I told the rookies, they are going to be thrown out there and be given an opportunity,” said Cariaso.
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