ALASKA opens its PBA Governors’ Cup campaign on Friday when it clashes with Columbian at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Aces also begin the Jeff Cariaso era in the 4:30 p.m. match-up as the PBA returns following a lengthy break from the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
Cariaso is happy with the progress of the team after he took over the reigns from Alex Compton last month.
“I can’t complain,” Cariaso said following Thursday’s practice at the Gatorade Hoops Dome. “The guys are picking up what exactly the attitude and the style we are imposing. I believe that how you prepare is the most important.
“I think they are getting a feel on schedule of practice, how they go about it. These players are professionals for a reason. Now, it’s them improving, how they prepare, and the hardest is bringing it all together. So far, so good,” said Cariaso.
The Aces start their campaign against the Dyip, who will be bannered by CJ Perez. His play with Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba Basketball World Cup has also put the spotlight on the Dyip this conference.
Cariaso said the Aces are definitely not taking the Dyip lightly, saying any team is capable of pulling off a win in the conference.
“Columbian, especially now with CJ, you have to be careful. That’s really the most important thing. You can’t look at them any lesser than you would see San Miguel, TNT, or Ginebra. I think you have to play your A game. That’s the approach you are trying to instill, it’s the mindset. The mindset is to always bring your A game,” said Cariaso.
The Aces are reinforced by Justin Watts, who played college ball with North Carolina, and had stints in Australia, Mexico, and Uruguay among others.
Cariaso said Watts has adjusted to the Aces system.
“He is adjusting well. The first week was a struggle for him to be honest only because of the changes of being first time being in the Philippines and everything that comes with it. Basketball is basketball. It doesn’t matter where you are. We got him because we like his skill set. What he brings and how he plays is perfect to what we are doing with Alaska,” Cariaso said.
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