Simpkins, 33, said he played for Kauslauskas in the Lithuanian league in 2003-04 and is willing to divulge what he knows about him and his style of coaching.
"I’ve never seen China play so I couldn’t tell if the Philippines has a chance to beat them," said Simpkins. "I scrimmaged with the Philippine team once and I was impressed by the players’ talent and skills level. The question is the size factor. Eric Menk, for instance, is strong but how big are the Chinese guys he’ll go up against?"
Simpkins singled out several outstanding Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players in the national team. He named Menk, Enrico Villanueva, James Yap, Willie Miller, Jimmy Alapag and Mike Cortez among the top cagers.
"It’s difficult to compare the PBA with the European leagues because the Europeans are so much bigger," said Simpkins. "But the PBA has good talent. The guys here know how to play. Those two guards from Talk ‘N’ Text, Alapag and Miller, they’re capable of running their team and shooting the ball."
Simpkins said he found out about the PBA some three years ago from former imports. He knew ex-Chicago Bulls guard Scott Burrell played here but was surprised to learn that his Providence teammate Marques Bragg once suited up for Alaska and another Bulls guard Dennis Hopson for Purefoods.
"I’ve been trying to get to the PBA for years," he continued. "I’ve heard only good things about the Philippines–the weather is nice, the people treat you well and the competition is excellent. It’s really a good situation. When I was in Europe, the season was so long that I just wanted to rest after playing so I never got a chance to visit the Philippines. Then the opportunity came this year after I played two months in Spain."
Simpkins said playing for Alaska reminds him of playing for his National Basketball Association (NBA) team, the Bulls.
"Coach (Phil) Jackson and coach (Tim) Cone use the triangle," said Simpkins. "They both have the same calm presence. They have a similar approach to the game. I’ve known coach Cone only for a short time but from what I’ve observed, he’s a good guy and a great coach. I’ve met his family, too."
Before Simpkins blew into town to replace Leon Derricks, the Aces were down in the dumps with a 1-3 record. Since his arrival, Alaska has posted a 4-1 mark. The Aces have won their last four.
"Defense is the key," said Simpkins. "We’re still learning from each other, trying to jell and mesh. The big thing is we’re holding teams down to 85 to 90 points in a 48-minute game. We’re getting the stops when we want them. We limited Purefoods to 66 points. The other night, we had 34 assists as a team. If we do that and hold the other team down to 85 to 90 points, that’s big."
Simpkins, who played seven years in the NBA, said experience is something he brings to Alaska.
"I’ve been fortunate to learn and see what it takes to win a championship, playing with guys like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman," he said. "With the Bulls, we accepted our roles and played under Phil’s system to win as a team."
Simpkins was on the Bulls squad that won the NBA crown in 1996, 1997 and 1998 although he was on the playoff roster only during Jordan’s celebrated "Last Dance."
Simpkins said he hopes Alaska goes all the way to the finals and wins the title.
"There’s great competitive balance in the league," he noted. "Most of the games go down to the wire. Who’ll win it all is up in the air. A lot of teams are bunched up near the top with three or four losses. We’re not doing too badly with four wins in a row."
Simpkins’ wife Sofia and their two children, Jazmin, 7, and Jacobi, 5, were recently in Manila to celebrate his birthday last April 8. They’ve gone back to Chicago where they live because of Jazmin’s schooling. But Simpkins, who calls his family on long distance telephone twice a day, said they’ll be back to cheer for Alaska in the finals.
Like the Bulls, Simpkins said he feels right at home with the Aces.
"When I first got here, the guys welcomed me with open arms," he said. "We all get along. Sure, I’m still adjusting but my teammate Rob (Johnson) is teaching me the ins and outs of living here. He brought me to church last Sunday. We’ve got good balance in the team. Mike (Cortez) is making a difference. He can penetrate, attack and shoot. Jeff (Cariaso) is a veteran who knows how to play and win. They’re all great guys."
The 6-9, 264-pound Simpkins is averaging 22.4 points and leading the Alaska charge. He scored the decisive dunk to lift Alaska to a 75-74 squeaker over Coca-Cola last Thursday and poured in 32 points, including 13 in the pivotal third period, as the Aces crushed Red Bull, 106-85, last Sunday.
Cone said Simpkins isn’t only unselfish but also has an irrepressible will to win. He said Simpkins doesn’t mind doing the dirty work if that’s what it takes to win. Against FedEx, Simpkins hit only 6-of-20 field goals and 5-of-9 free throws but collared 23 rebounds. "I’ll take that," said Cone. "That shows the veteran in him. That shows you a player who knows how to win. That’s the knowledge he teaches his teammates and it’s getting to be infectious."