WHILE it may be his second stint with Alaska in just over a year, Diamon Simpson believes he still has some chemistry issue to work with this modern-day Aces.
Simpson got on board the team on Sunday in a 118-106 loss to Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 31-year-old import submitted numbers of 22 points and 22 rebounds in a losing cause that saw the Aces dropped to their third straight loss and slip at seventh place with a 4-5 record.
Simpson said unfamiliarity remains a concern between him and the Aces despite having played with the team in this same conference last season when Alaska reached the semifinals only to lose against San Miguel in four games.
“We just got to find our chemistry and come back stronger next week,” said Simpson, who came in as a replacement for the injured Chris Daniels.
The Aces played catch-up ball for most of the game, but made a huge run early in the fourth to seize a 92-91 lead with Simpson sitting on the bench.
But the Kings had a ready answer behind LA Tenorio, whose three-point shooting late in the game allowed Barangay Ginebra to regain control of the match.
Unlike the Aces, Simpson noted how Ginebra has been playing with a lot of chemistry now behind resident import Justine Brownlee.
“It was a challenging (playing against) a good team and a lot of chemistry they have,” said Simpson, who won a championship with Alaska under coach Tim Cone during the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.
The Aces still have two games left against Rain or Shine and Blackwater, but won’t be playing their next game until this coming Saturday, giving them enough time to get more familiar with their returning import.
“We just have to take advantage of every day, watch films, and do the best that we can,” said Simpson.
The Alaska import also had some words with Cone and former teammates Tenorio and Joe Devance shortly after the game.
He said it was a pleasure seeing these guys again with whom he won a championship by beating highly favored San Miguel Beer in the finals led by Gabe Freeman.
“Coach Tim is a good dude, one of my favorite coaches, and got a history with him. So it’s good,” said Simpson.
“LA (Tenorio) and Joe (Devance) are good guys, good teammates, and I wish them all the best. We’re still friends.”
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