Another 'Aces' eyeing PBA entry
MANILA, Philippines — If things will work according to plan, there may be another Aces joining the Philippine Basketball Association.
Team Aces, the most dominant team in The Asian Tournament, has expressed interest in competing in Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league, and this was confirmed by team captain Denzel Wong, who spoke on behalf of the management.
“If given the chance, of course, we will join,” said Wong, drafted by the NLEX Road Warriors during the league’s 49th season. “Yung boss namin interested to join sa mga international tournaments, so kung may chance (being a guest team), why not.”
Wong’s statement came on the heels of the interest shown by the Hong Kong Eastern Lions and the Macau Black Bears in competing as guest squads in the PBA. Like the Aces, the Black Bears are also competing in The Asian Tournament.
Just recently, the Aces captured their sixth leg title in the league after outlasting host team Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, a team competing in the MPBL, in the finals held recently at the Captal Arena in Ilagan City.
Wong shared the winning formula of the Aces and they want to take their game to the next level. he believes they’re competitive to play at high-level professional leagues with quality imports at their disposal.
“It’s always been teamwork. Like in our championship game, I had a bad game, but there’s always someone who would step up,” said Wong.
“We play like a team, like a family, ever since Day One,” he added. “Whatever is needed to win, we do it.”
Jaxon Cobb and Tony Mitchell, two big, athletic imports, felt the love of Pinoy fans and they are ready to showcase their skills in the PBA—if given the chance.
“I love it when they were screaming my name. They get excited when I dunk,” said Cobb, a 6-foot-10 athletic big man, whose game has some resemblance to Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebra. “It definitely keeps me going and brings smile on my face.”
As for the PBA, Cobb has heard of lot of great things about the league.
“I have teammates who did play in the PBA. I’m only 24 and I would love if I can get something here in the Philippines.”
Mitchell, a well-built, 6-foot-9 forward, is also looking forward to continue to play in the Philippines.
“It was a great experience for us. We’ve just won back-to-back championships dating back to the previous tournament in China,” said Mitchell. “We were really enjoying ourselves. We have a great camaraderie off the court and when we go inside the court, it goes naturally for us.” (Contributed story)
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