Rule changes favor Alaska

By Reuel Vidal
Manila Standard
October 4, 2007

Already among the teams to beat in the coming Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup, the chances of defense-oriented Alaska Aces to win improved even more with several rule changes to be adopted this coming season.

The PBA, which is trying to make the games more exciting, will allow hand-checking by defenders if it does not impede the progress of the offensive players, and shortened the 3-point distance.

The rule on hand-checking, in particular, will be favorable to defense-oriented teams like the Aces.

Alaska is unique among PBA teams because the Aces probably work harder on their defensive rotations and drills more than they do on their offense.

"Coach Tim Cone has always preached defense," said returning Tony de la Cruz. "Coach always keeps telling us that defense wins championships. Our team is very defense-oriented. That is the main reason for our success."

For his part, De la Cruz has always been known as a defensive stopper his entire PBA career. He joined the pro league by way of the Shell Turbo Chargers and joined the Alaska Aces after the team folded.

"I've always worked hard on defense," said De la Cruz. "With Alaska, I just want to help in any way I can. I want to contribute to help the team win games and hopefully another championship."

The Alaska Aces are confident of their chances this coming season. Why not, when they are three-deep in every position, Sonny Thoss, John Ferriols and Ken Bono man the center slot. Other big men are Eddie Laure, JR Quiñahan, Junjun Cabatu and Reynel Hugnatan.

The wingmen include Jeff Cariaso, Aaron Aban and De la Cruz. Mike Cortez, reigning PBA Most Valuable Player Willie Miller and Rency Bajar will take care of the point.

Competing for the last spots in the team are newcomers Ariel Capus, Joeffer Gonzales as well as returnees Christian Luanson and veteran Poch Juinio.

The versatile De la Cruz returns to Alaska after a stint with the national team in Tokushima, Japan, just in time to help the Aces go after back-to-back PBA titles. He can play multiple positions on offense from power forward all the way down to the guard position.

He is also a tenacious defender, who is quick enough to shadow the guards of opposing teams and strong enough to defend the post against PBA big men.

"I feel confident enough to realize that Alaska wants me back on the team even though they won a title without me," said De la Cruz. "But obviously I have something to prove. I want to show that I belong. Hopefully, we get another championship soon with me playing."

He still has a year to go in his contract with the Aces which runs until July 31, 2008. Hopefully, before then, Alaska will have won another PBA championship with De la Cruz playing a big role in the team.