Texters, Aces test imports

Alaska Aces import Shane Edwards (24) will make his PBA debut against Tropang TNT on Wednesday. Edwards played for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA during the preseason two years ago. AP

Defending champion Tropang TNT and Alaska clash Wednesday with both breaking in new imports even as Blackwater tries to extend the first winning streak of the franchise in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

David Simon comes in for the Tropang Texters, taking the place of the suspended Ivan Johnson, while Shane Edwards, an NBA D-League all-star, suits up for the Aces vice Rob Dozier when they clash in the 7 p.m. game.

The Texters, at 1-2 after having Johnson for just 16 minutes in three games, are hoping they get a gem in the well-traveled Simon, a veteran of the South Korean pro league.

Edwards, on the other hand, will pinch-hit for Dozier, who was out of the Aces’ first game because of plantar fasciitis on his foot.

Alaska is trying to snap a five-game losing spell that dates back to the last four games of the Philippine Cup Finals against San Miguel Beer.

Edwards averaged close to 12 points a game for BG Gottingen in the Basketball Bundesliga, while Simon has far better credentials, finishing with averages of 20.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and two assists for the SK Knights in the Korean league.

Meanwhile, Blackwater slugs it out with listless powerhouse Star in the 4:15 p.m. contest, not only looking to extend the Hotshots’ woes but also win three straight games for the first time in its PBA existence.