PBA Philippine Cup Preview: Alaska Aces

Head Coach: Luigi Trillo

Mock Depth Chart

	1st String	2nd String	3rd String
C	Sonny Thoss	Samigue Eman	Aldrech Ramos
PF	Gabby Espinas	Calvin Abueva	Eddie Laure
SF	Tony dela Cruz	Ryan Buenafe
SG	Cyrus Baguio	Dondon Hontiveros	Leo Avenido
PG	JV Casio	RJ Jazul	Chris Exciminiano

2012-2013 Season Results

Conference	Result				Playoffs
	Finish	Win	Loss	Pct.	Stage	Results
Philippine Cup	5th/10	8	6	.571	QFs SFs	Alaska 2, Meralco 0 Alaska 2, Talk n’ Text 4
Commissioner’s Cup	1st/10	11	3	.786	QFs SFs Finals	Air21 81, Alaska** 87 Alaska 3, San Mig Coffee 1 Alaska 3, Ginebra 0
Governor’s Cup	7th/10	4	5	.444	QFs	San Mig Coffee** 1, Alaska 1

**Twice-to-beat advantage

Analysis:

The Aces have been a title contender in every conference, whether it may be an All-Filipino one or an import-laden conference. However, during the 37^th season of the PBA, they have experienced one of the many droughts to plague this fabled franchise. This season marked the beginning of the post-Tim Cone era. This season also had the second-worst percentage in franchise history (.214 in the Philippine Cup).

 

However, they came back with a vengeance during the 38^th season. With the arrival of 2011 1^st overall pick Jayvee Casio and 2012 2^nd overall Calvin “The Beast” Abueva, and Dondon Hontiveros, the Aces quickly reassumed their position as one of the premier ballclubs in the Philippines. They also won their first championship of the post-Cone era.

With their line-up intact and no injuries, the only additions going by the name of Ryan Buenafe and Chris Exciminiano, the Aces are expected to reach the Semifinals of the Philippine Cup.

Strengths:

Chemistry

Unlike most of the other teams, the Aces never made a trade this offseason. This will prove to be a decisive advantage for the Aces, as their already formidable lineup from last season will only be bolstered by Buenafe and Exciminiano and not tweaked by any sorts.

The Three C’s

JV Casio, Cyrus Baguio, and Calvin Abueva proved to be instrumental during their title run in the Commissioner’s Cup. Casio, armed with his deadly three-point bomb, stabilized the offense of the Aces, Baguio made daredevil plays to the rim, and Abueva, well, he practically did everything he could for the Alaska Aces.

Weaknesses

Center Rotation

Though I don’t want to question his ability, lately Sam Eman has not been living up to his potential. Trillo is forced to play a small lineup every time Sonny Thoss takes a breather. If the Aces would like to be a formidable team, then Eman, the 2007 2^nd overall pick, needs to step up his game.

Best Case Scenario: 2^nd championship post-Tim Cone era

Worst Case Scenario: Twice-to-win disadvantage