Simpson hopes to carry Aces all the way in Fiesta Conf., Freeman, Lewis, AJ back

Source: PBA
Their pride in tatters after another title bust in the recent Philippine Cup, the Alaska Aces hope to turn their fortunes around in the coming PBA Fiesta Conference with the help of a 22-year-old recognized for his defense.

Diamon Simpson, named to the All-America Defensive Team while playing for the St. Mary’s Gaels, has been signed up by Aces to beef up the team in the season-ending conference that starts on March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The presence of Simpson along with new recruit Sam Eman and Sonny Thoss shores up Alaska’s frontline, no wonder Alaska coach Tim Cone is excited about his new starting lineup.

Simpson averaged 15.5 points and 9.6 rebounds while playing for the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the National Basketball Association Developmental League.

But his strongest suit is his defensive acumen. He averaged 1.7 steals and 1.6 blocks per game while playing the power forward spot for his collegiate squad. In 2008, he was cited as Defensive Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com.

Leroy Hickerson, a two-time slam dunk champion in the Mexican League, was scheduled to arrive last night to carry the colors of Air21.

Hickerson is listed as 6-foot-5. He ruled the slam dunk competition in the Mexican LNBP All-Star Game in 2008 and 2009. He worked out with the Memphis Grizzlies last summer and was named Player of the Year, Guard of the Year and Import Player of the Year by Latinbasket.com.

In 41 games last year, Hickerson averaged 19.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game while playing for the Halcones UV Xalapa.

Sta. Lucia, Rain or Shine and defending champion San Miguel Beer are bringing in old faces.

The Realtors are launching their campaign in the Fiesta Conference with Anthony Johnson while burly import Jai Lewis will beef up the Elasto Painters. The Beermen are once again counting on Gabe Freeman to lead their title retention drive.

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UPDATE: Air 21's import Leroy Hickerson (sigh, he is full of potential and a real exciting cager) won't make it... he broke an elbow in a car accident in Mexico hours before boarding a plane for RP. His replacement, Keena Young! (via Snow Badua)