ALASKA ACES IMPORT ISSUES
Alaska Aces had a hard time this season figuring whether to change or keep their import, Chris Daniels. It was hard because Alaska Aces won its first game against Columbian Dyip and Chris Daniels was the best player in the game and contributed 25 points and 16 rebounds. Daniels is a very nice guy and was an experienced import but it was evident that he lacks aggressiveness. His stats will show a double-double performance game after game but you can't gauge the import's effectiveness in stats alone for most of the rebounds he gathered just landed from where he's standing up. Daniels hardly fought the rebounds in the paint like what Mike Harris did for Alaska and his points came mostly from his set shots in the perimeter and beyond the arc. Mike Harris was a jump shooter and would also provide points beyond the arc but the difference is he can dominate in the paint and works like a vacuum on offensive and defensive rebounds. Alaska got close to winning a championship with Mike Harris but fell short against Magnolia primarily because of Vic Manuel's injury. When Manuel left the series, Ian Sangalang became so dominant for it was only Manuel in that series who can defend and close him out pretty well.
Now back to Daniels, after 6 games Alaska finally decided to replace him in exchange for Nino Johnson in their game vs Pheonix Fuel Masters, but the debut game of Nino Johnson was really horrible offensively, he played 31 minutes and only had 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists but on the defensive end he played well collecting 5 steals and 4 blocks. According to Nino Johnson, he was still adjusting to the weather in the Philippines, etc. Johnson actually was way athletic compared to Chris Daniels and could even be a great fit in Alaska as a role player import that can do all the dirty works, but after one game they decided to bring back Chris Daniels and to let go of Johnson.
When Chris Daniels came back on their next game vs San Miguel, it was a completely different Chris Daniels. According to him when he got replaced by Johnson, he spent his time working out and probably hoping if Alaska reactivates him, he will be a new and improved import. It was pretty effective as it was very noticeable that he was leaner and faster. He finished 23 points and 22 rebounds for 39 minutes. Alaska lose that game and they decided to change Daniels yet again but this time for Diamon Simpson.
Diamon Simpon would be the best choice if Alaska started to place him right from the start of this season for he will get used to the system and prepare more in practice. His first game against Ginebra, Diamon contributed 22 points and 22 rebounds but the combination of Justin Brownlee and Stanley Pringle was too much to handle for the Alaska Milkmen and end up losing to the Gin Kings 118-106.
Alaska's next assignment was Rain or Shine but Alaska could not capitalize the game when Rain or Shine lose their import Denzel Bowles in the first half due to an injury. Rain or Shine became completely unpredictable without Denzel Bowles as the locals step up and points came from everywhere. Alaska lost the game 86-84.
