Derby Ace opens bid for 2nd jewel vs SLR

Source: (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Cup champion Purefoods TJ Hotdogs, now known as Derby Ace, begins its chase for the second jewel of a possible double championship as it plays Sta. Lucia Realty today in the PBA FIesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Alaska Milk, the all-Filipino runner-up, also starts its campaign in the reinforced tourney against Talk n Text in the day’s other game.

The Llamados are raring to get back into action and begin their grandslam quest after capturing the Philippine Cup crown via a four-game sweep of the Aces.

But they will be without Kerby Raymundo, who is still rehabilitating his injured right leg although the Llamados remain upbeat and in high spirits with import Lorrenzo Wade.

“We are excited to play our first game after coming off much needed break,” said Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio, himself hopeful of a double championship.

“Defense will still make the difference for us. In our 33 games last conference, we limited our opponents to a measly 84.7 ppg average. The pride on ‘D’ will be constant,” the youthful Derby Ace mentor said.

“We are determined to figure prominently and hopefully go all the way again with defense as our ticket,” he added.

On Wade, Gregorio believes they’ve got an import who can hold his own against the best in the fold.

“Wade has displayed tremendous athleticism and has a wide array of offensive arsenal. His offense is complete. However, the challenge for him is to play defense the way we play – aggressive, no let-up and no mercy until we secure the ball,” said Gregorio.

Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis and Don Allado must also step up while Raymundo is out after sustaining the injury towards the end of the first conference.

They will have to contend with Anthony Johnson, Kelly Williams, Marlou Aquino and Gabby Espinas in tonight’s game.

In the first game, Alaska meets Talk n Text in a duel of teams which figured in the Fiesta Conference finale two years ago.

Falling short in their title bid in the Philippine Cup, the Aces hope to go all the way to the top this time with the help of import Diamon Simpson.

Coach Tim Cone himself has high hopes especially with a frontline beefed up by 6-foot-8 center Samigue Eman.

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Sims good for Smart Gilas?

Source: By Joey Villar (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - With top naturalization prospect Dwayne Jones and Brian Butch out of the picture, Smart Gilas Pilipinas is now setting its sights on Courtney Sims as the team’s reinforcement in its quest for an Olympic berth.

Sims, a former D-League MVP who happens to be Smart Gilas’ Serbian coach Rajko Toroman’s original choice for naturalization, is reportedly now available after being released from Capitanes de Arecibo of the Puerto Rican League.

“We’re exploring every possibility and exercising all our options,” said Smart Gilas manager Frankie Lim.

Meanwhile, Smart Gilas lost to Serbian League’s No. 1 team Partizan, 71-87, and fell to 1-4 (win-loss) card in their Serbian Tour.

The Serbians opted to play with just five members of their first team with rest coming from their second squad. But the hosts still dominated the smaller but gritty Filipinos, who put up a gallant stand before losing steam in the final five minutes.

“They were scoring from inside and outside. We had problems executing offensively and lost in the rebounding battle, 20-42. We shot poorly from outside and couldn’t convert our fast break attempts,” said Smart Gilas captain Chris Tiu.

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