Aces, Dozier start title defense

Rob Dozier slams against Denzel Bowles (ahead), Alex Mallari, PJ Simon and Rafi Reavis (behind) FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The hardworking and selfless Rob Dozier returns for a second tour of duty with Alaska as the Aces open defense of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup title against rock-solid Talk ‘N Text Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Dozier, who also won the tournament’s Best Import award last season, will try to rescue Alaska from a rather disappointing start to the season where the Aces failed to make it past the quarterfinals of the MyDSL Philippine Cup.

They slug it out with the Tropang Texters and North Carolina State alumnus Rochard Howell in the 8 p.m. game after Globalport—with a new head coach and a new all-star guard— battles Air21 in the 5:45 p.m. opener.

Pido Jarencio will coach in the league for the first time after being signed by the Batang Pier more than a month ago, and the Globalport offense will also have a new look with Alex Cabagnot, formerly of Petron Blaze/San Miguel Beer, suiting up for the franchise for the first time.

“We’re excited about the conference,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo, who won the PBA Press Corps’ Coach of the Year award last season as a rookie on the strength of the Aces’ 3-0 conquest of Barangay Ginebra in the Finals.

“Robert is coming in fresh and the team is healthy and excited,” he added. “There’s obviously a lot of work ahead for us, but just seeing how [hard] the guys are working is a good sign.”

Talk ‘N Text will be without a familiar fixture in Ali Peek, who retired some two weeks ago.

Norman Black has signed a center in Howell, whom he described as simple yet effective, and possibly what the doctor had ordered to make the Texters go all the way this time.

Talk ‘N Text also bowed out in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Cup, losing in three games to eventual champion San Mig Coffee.

That long break has given the Texters a chance to recuperate and be sharp for this tournament.

“Our import will also play center, so I don’t think it (Peek’s retirement) will affect the team very much. I think we’ll be OK,” Black said.

“Howell is not a spectacular player, he’s pretty solid, strong kid,” added the multi-titled coach.

“But we’re not sure how he’ll fare with Dozier, though we’re hoping he’ll do well.” Evan Brock will suit up for the Batang Pier while Herve Lamizana will reinforce the Express.