Uytengsu says series not about Cone

MANILA, Philippines - Alaska team owner Fred Uytengsu said recently the furious PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five semifinal war against San Mig Coffee, now tied at 1-1, isn’t about Mixers coach Tim Cone who sat on the Aces bench for 22 years and admitted he’s “pleasantly surprised” of his team’s showing in only Luigi Trillo’s third conference on the bench.

“If you want to be a champion team, you’ve got to prove it against all the teams out there, not just San Mig Coffee with Tim,” said Uytengsu.  â€œThat’s why it was special to beat Air 21, a tough team, in the first round of the playoffs because they beat us in the eliminations.  I’m just as excited to win championship No. 14 as I was to win No. 1.”

Trillo, who was Cone’s assistant for 12 years at Alaska, had a bumpy ride when he took over from Joel Banal as the Aces head coach in the Governors Cup last season.  Alaska wound up ninth of 10 with a 2-7 record.  But Uytengsu stuck with Trillo in deciding whom to steer the Aces on a permanent basis.  Trillo responded by leading Alaska to the semifinals in the last Philippine Cup, losing to eventual champion Talk ‘N’ Text in six.  The Aces are back in the Final Four this conference after topping the eliminations with an 11-4 record.

Cone brought 13 titles to Alaska and since his departure from the Aces to join San Mig Coffee (previously known as B-Meg), had won nine in a row over the Uytengsu franchise.  The streak included five straight wins over Trillo.  Last April 29, the monkey was finally off Alaska’s back as Trillo piloted the Aces to an 86-67 romp over the Mixers to even their semifinal series at a win apiece.  Two of Alaska’s three losses in the eliminations were to San Mig Coffee.

“From Tim to Luigi, our philosophy remains the same,” said Uytengsu.  â€œIt’s not about doing what it takes to win but winning with integrity.  We work as a team and win as a team.  That’s why we like our import Rob Dozier.  He’s not a 50-point scorer and we don’t want him to be one.  He’s a team player.  He’ll get his numbers if that’s what we need.  On the court, he does his work without any expression on his face like Cyrus (Baguio).”

Dozier, 27, was Miami’s second round pick in the 2009 NBA draft but never played for the Heat except in the summer league and preseason.  In 2008, the 6-9 forward teamed with Derrick Rose to lead the University of Memphis to the NCAA Finals against Kansas but the Tigers lost, 75-68.  In the Aces’ win over San Mig Coffee, Dozier delivered 28 points and 27 rebounds to outshine defending Best Import awardee Denzel Bowles.

Uytengsu said Alaska is protective of its wholesome image but allows a player like rookie Calvin Abueva to show attitude.  â€œWe don’t want to cramp Calvin’s style,” he said. “Calvin realizes it’s not about him, it’s about the team.  He’s got a job to do and he brings us a lot of energy and hustle.  As for Jvee (Casio), he’s the guy who runs the show. It was tough to give up a talent like L. A. (Tenorio) but I think he’s a better fit for Ginebra.  We were lucky to get Jvee in a trade.  Down the line, we’ve got players whom we can build a championship team with.  Tony (de la Cruz) is solid, Sonny (Thoss) is playing his best basketball, Cyrus is tough and so are Gabby (Espinas) and Dondon (Hontiveros).  We’ve brought in new guys to mix with our veterans and Luigi has done a good job of blending them.”

  As for Abueva’s recent run-in with James Yap, Trillo said it’s par for the course in playoff basketball.  â€œJames wants the big shot (and) Calvin loves to defend,” said Trillo.  â€œBoth have big hearts.  I’m surprised by James’ comments but that’s his prerogative.  We can’t just step aside and avoid his back.  He’s a master at fishing for fouls.  So we have to be sharp with his foul-baiting and kicking.  It’s part of the game.”

Trillo said he anticipates the series to get even more physical on both sides.  â€œLet’s face it, both teams have too much pride to just give in,” he continued.  â€œBoth benches are very competitive.  I’m really surprised by some of the players’ comments. The playoffs are also mental.  You’ll be eaten up alive if you allow yourself to be.”

Trillo downplayed Alaska’s breakthrough win over San Mig Coffee and said “one win really means nothing at this point.”  He added, “the past two games could have gone either way, we are both head coaches now so Tim can’t ruffle me (and) I’m not going to get into that and I hope he doesn’t but we, as a team, are not going to be back down … they say give it your best against someone you respect, that’s what we did in Game 2 and expect the same from here on out.”

Game 3 of the Alaska-San Mig Coffee series is set at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.