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Impressive Shane Edwards gives Compton a 'happy' problem
It looks like Alex Compton will have a dilemma in choosing Alaska's import going forward as Shane Edwards greatly impressed in his first game filling in for Rob Dozier as the teams' reinforcement in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
The 28-year-old Edwards, who was tapped to temporarily replace Dozier as he recovers from plantar fasciitis on his left heel, finished with 36 points, 20 rebounds, and three assists to lead the Aces to a 108-100 victory over Tropang TNT on Wednesday night.
With his performance, Compton may have to face a tough decision on which import he will stick to once Dozier, a former Best Import awardee who led Alaska to a championship in 2013, is back to full health.
"I told the coaches, I really hope Shane gives me a hard time. I hope he gives me a problem," the head coach said.
"Shane came in here because of Rob's injury. I hope we win every game with Shane."
Edwards played in the NBA D-League and also suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2014 Summer League before playing professionally in Sweden and Germany.
A lanky wingman at 6-foot-7 who played for the University of Arkansas in college, Edwards showed post moves, a shooting touch from deep, versatility, and hustle against TNT.
While it is a luxury for Alaska to have two imports who fit them at their disposal, Compton preferred to be in the wait-and-see mode for now.
"Hopefully you guys can ask me that three weeks or so when Rob is healthy. What are you gonna do because Shane Edwards is awesome and he's dominating?" he said.
Pressed for his initial thoughts, the American coach refused to compare the two imports and went all praises for both.
"I love them both honestly," he said. "They're both super guys. That really helps us to have guys like them."
"Minsan 'yung mga [ibang import] talagang may toyo e. Wala tayong magagawa diyan e," he added.
"Pero 'yung dalawa na 'yun na nasa amin napakabait tapos matalino pang maglaro at masipag." — APG, GMA News
