Robert Dozier brings familiarity, defensive smarts to Phoenix in another PBA tour

MANILA, Philippines—Rob Dozier may be joining a new team in his third tour of duty in the PBA, but his impending stint with the Phoenix Fuel Masters will be all too familiar for him.

With the Fuel Masters, Dozier will be reuniting with his former Alaska teammates Calvin Abueva and RJ Jazul as well as ex-coaches Louie Alas and Topex Robinson.

That familiarity was one of the reasons why Alas wanted the services of the 6-foot-9 forward for the Commissioner’s Cup next month and his value on both ends, especially on defense, was the determining factor.

https://twitter.com/dozier_boyjr/status/1116726689533284352

“The familiarity is a factor but what I really like about Rob and why I wanted him to our import is his ability on the defensive end,” Alas, who is in his second season as Phoenix’s head coach, told INQUIRER.net in Filipino before Game 1 of the Fuel Masters’ best-of-seven semifinals series against the San Miguel Beermen Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The 33-year-old Dozier led Alaska to the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup title then, joined the Aces again in 2016.

Dozier last played for San-en Neo Phoenix in the B.League in Japan and it seemed like he can’t wait to be back in the PBA.

“I’m back,” Dozier tweeted.