THIS early, Dez Wells is already drawing comparisons with one of the best imports in the history of the PBA.
Phoenix Pulse coach Louie Alas is bracing for the top task of containing the prolific Wells when the Fuel Masters face the debuting Beermen on Wednesday in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen will be playing their first game since competing in the East Asia Super League Terrific 12 in Macau, where Wells turned heads with a performance that included a 42-point showing in the Beermen’s win over last year’s champion Ryukyu Golden Kings.
The Beermen eventually finished fourth in the tournament.
“Parang si Tony Harris eh,” said Alas, “very explosive tapos grabe dumepensa. Two-way plaer. Kailangan dalhin mo lahat ng knowledge mo sa basketball against him.”

Known as 'Hurricane,' Harris was one of the most flamboyant imports in the PBA after he played for the RFM franchise. He even exploded for 105 points in an out-of-town game against Barangay Ginebra in Iloilo - a scoring record that stands to this day.
He won the Best Import award in the 1992 Third Conference.
Alas said he was able to catch the Beermen’s matches in the Terrific 12, hoping that they will be able to use the learnings in their bid to contain Wells as the Fuel Masters look to rebound from a 123-116 loss at the hands of NLEX on Saturday.
“I have no problem in my offense. Defense, we were very inconsistent. Kahit nung lamang kami ng 10, ang bilis na-wipe out. We gave up 52 percent from the field, 47 percent sa three-point, how can you win that.
"That’s not the identity na gusto namin gawin. Kung gusto niyo manalo, maniwala kayo na hindi tayo puwedeng makipag-shootout sa team,” said Alas.
Alas said he is bracing for a San Miguel squad eager to start off its bid for a grand slam on a high note.
“Super excited nyan. Kung makikipag-pataasan tayo ng score, let’s think na 0-2 na tayo,” said Alas.
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