Though they are yet to be out of contention for a quarterfinal berth, Alaska has already made a significant move to start preparing for their title retention bid in Commissioners’ Cup as they re-signed last year reinforcement Rob Dozier.
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Winners of the last mid-season conference after sweeping Ginebra in the finals, the Aces are bringing back 6’9 Dozier who brought them to their first championship since 2010.
“We’ve got Robert Dozier coming back. He’s signed up,” Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo said to a statement in Spin.ph.
Dozier, a product of Memphis of US NCAA, registered an impressive stat line of 20.1 points, 17 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 2.5 (–foul word(s) removed–)ists in leading the Wilfred-Uytengsu Jr.-owned squad to their second-best winning percentage in the franchise history.
The imminent second tour of duty of the last comm’s cup best import is expected to fortify Alaska this coming conference after struggling so far this season, toting a dismal 4-9 record to be on the brink of elimination today.
The aces will fight to live for another day later as they take on Barako Bull to force a four-way tie in sixth to ninth place that will give them a secure playoff for the last spot by virtue of a quotient.
But had their aspiration to sneak in the quarters be spoiled by the Energy Cola; they can now look forward for a bounce back tournament that will start somewhere in February with Dozier at the helm.