Returning Alaska import Diamon Simpson sees a lot of talent in the team that he believes the current Aces are better than the one he helped win the championship eight years ago.
Simpson played a major role in the Aces' title victory in the 2010 Fiesta Conference with a line-up that included LA Tenorio, Cyrus Baguio, Joe Devance and Sonny Thoss and coach Tim Cone.
Called for another tour of duty to replace Antonio Campbell, Simpson hopes to deliver another title for Alaska, which finished the eliminations as No. 2 seed and enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage going into the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals.
"I would say that our team is better than when we won (the title) a few years ago," Simpson said after Alaska's 114-91 win over Phoenix at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday.
"Talent-wise, there's a lot of players. Like tonight, I didn't have to work as hard because a lot of players were good so that's a plus."
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The 30-year-old had 18 points, 19 rebounds, five assists and four blocks in his first game back with the Aces.
Despite the twice-to-beat incentive, Alaska will have its hands full as it faces either Magnolia or San Miguel in the quarterfinals.
"There's some pretty good teams here and we are in second place, which is easier than when I was here the last time so we'll see," he said.
Simpson and Alaska's 2010 team had a rough journey to win the title. They survived Barangay Ginebra in a best-of-five quarterfinals, dispatched Talk 'N Text in a seven-game in the semi-finals before defeating San Miguel, 4-2, in the title series.(JT)
