Ali in peak form, gains PBA honors

For a moment, Ali Peek appeared stunned and didn’t know what to do when Alaska coach Tim Cone announced on national television that the 6-3 forward had a new girlfriend, that’s why he had been playing great of late.

"Nah, I’m just kidding," said Cone, who even borrowed the microphone to make an on-the-spot erratum on air.

But that split-second of hesitation proved to be the only time this week that Peek wasn’t in control of the situation. Despite being the smallest guy roughing it up underneath the boards on a nightly basis, Peek emerged biggest for the Samsung Philippine Basketball Association All-Filipino Cup week spanning April 7 to 13.

In fact, he was the hands-down choice for the Samsung Player of the Week award.

"He has done a good job of battling it out underneath the boards," gushed Cone. In one instance, Peek positioned himself for a rebound and took one big leap to grab the ball against Ginebra’s Erik Menk, one of the meanest board-crashers in the league today.

"He really soared for that one," said Cone, who was applauding with glee after that rebound play.

Peek has also done a good job of positioning himself well late in the game, delivering baskets just when the team needs them most.

"I don’t do that purposely. I just get into a rhythm and when it gets stopped, it usually comes back late in the game," said Peek.

Peek averaged 16.5 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks per game in the past week, playing an average of 34.5 minutes per game. The scary thing about his numbers is he feels he hasn’t gotten back into his groove yet.

"I missed six months or so last year because of my knee, which was operated on for the third time. I feel I haven’t gotten to my real form yet, the one I had about three years ago. I’m still working my way up," he admitted.

When he gets back into his rhythm, there is no doubt he will continue to reap more individual awards in the future. But nothing is as important to him than winning the title.

"We came close last year and I feel now’s a good time as any to win a championship," said Peek. From someone who’s been in control of game situations despite still getting back into shape, that should sound as a threat to the other teams.