Alaska Aces: Making everything fit

Alaska Aces Off-Season Moves proved wonders for them and they are now on a 5 game winning streak.

Alaska Aces is the hottest team in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup, they ride 2nd in the team standings with 5 - 2 and are now on a  5 game winning streak. Their off-season acquisitions, as well as the improved play of their veterans are keys to what is now the reminiscent of the 1990's squad that we've all come to admired.

Some Off-Season Moves (and a Draft Pick) that has proven wonders for them:

Joseph Evans "JV" Casio

The former #1 pick of the 2011 PBA Draft has picked up his game just as he joined the Aces in a trade that sent their guard, LA Tenorio to the Ginebra San Miguel team. In Alaska's last 2 wins, JV was the Best Player of the Game and in their last game, he joins those notable players by scoring 10 pts in 58 seconds. I should note, I was at Araneta when Alaska Aces won over the streaking Talk and Text Tropang Texters 94-92 and the crowd was actually crazy everytime JV shoots the ball exuding

Calvin Abueva: The Rookie to Watch Out For

The former NCAA MVP Calvin Abueva has been showing his A game in his first few games as a part of the Aces. Before last game he was a double-double machine. I believe given more time he would be what Coach Luigi Trillo expects him to be. He's liable to make all those rookie mistakes, which would make him a better and a potent player.

(Though last night I was smiling seeing former Letran Coach Louie Alas instructing Abueva what to do)

Dondon Hontiveros

The Cebuano Hotshot may not score 20 points per outing all the time but his Veteran leadership definitely blended well with the Aces. When a team mate spots him for an open three, its deadly. :)

And now...

When you look back at how Luigi Trillo started with Alaska, there is definitely a lot of BASHING. However, when you look at today, fans are of all praises for Alaska's Head Coach Luigi Trillo. This blog recalls of giving Alaska a chance to improve, and it did. If there's a lesson you can definitely learn about basketball, you do not stop even if you fall. This is how Coach Trillo and the management had started their rebuilding phase. I believe success would be for this squad to happen.

Credits: Alaska Aces FB page and AKTV

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Remembering 0-28: Trillo gets first win as Alaska Coach against Barako

It was the 0-28 standing of Adamson Falcons that inspired Luigi Trillo the most.

As young as 22, Luigi Trillo was able to coach the Adamson Falcons (1999 to 2000) with a 0-28 showing, something that inspires him as he journeys as an Alaska Coach.

However, it didn't took him that long to get his first victory (Alaska won earlier against Barako)

Luigi Trillo maybe new to the pro league, but his experience as a UAAP, PBA D-League (he mentored Cebuana Lhullier where he was able to get great players) and as Tim Cone's assistant in Alaska helped his coaching strategies today.

And what can I say about Alaska? They are definitely under good guidance.

PBA Image: Nuki Sabio

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Luigi Trillo is Alaska's interim head coach

It all started with a rumor that Super Mario's partner would be the coach of a team that is ALA. Yes, it was formally announced Monday that Luigi Trillo is Alaska's interim head coach replacing Coach Joel Banal who left after the team has not made it to the Semifinals for the past 2 conferences.

Both Luigi Trillo and another Alaska deputy, Jojo Lastimosa were considered for this post.

Alaska Team Owner Wilfred Uytengsu went with Trillo, who had experienced coaching in PBA D-League and PBL. Meanwhile, Alaska Team Manager/Governor Joaqui Trillo inhibited from the final decision being Luigi's father.

Trillo would be reinstating the triangle offense. Alaska also announced the return of their import, Jason Forte for the third conference.

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