Monday, August 18, 2008 · News

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Despite the early exit of the Alaska Aces in the 2008 PBA Fiesta Cup there were some bright spots and the brightest is the ever improving play of Alaska center Sonny Thoss.

While the other local centers - like Rico Villanueva, Homer Se and even Asi Taulava - played out of position at power forward to accommodate their big imports Thoss manned the center slot for the Alaska Aces during the past Fiesta Conference.

The 26-year-old Thoss scored almost 10 points, plucked 8.1 rebounds, issued 1.7 assists, and tallied one block per game the past season to earn a berth in the mythical second team of the PBA.

However, he was quick to downplay his achievement and expressed his respect for the other big men in the league.

I still find hard it to believe that I won that second team selection, said Thoss. But I am happy that I got where I am. There are a lot of talented big guys in the league. I do not see any difference between me and them. I guess I just got lucky to win the selection.

Thoss confessed that after winning the award he was motivated to work even harder this off season in preparation for the coming All-Filipino conference. He even stayed in the country and did not vacation abroad just so he could focus on his physical and mental preparation for the coming conference.

I did not go anywhere, said Thoss. I just stayed here in Manila and took care of some things. But mainly I just worked really hard to get myself ready for the next conference.

Even Alaska coach Tim Cone says he expects big things for his young center in the coming All-Filipino conference. One of the reasons the Aces got the smaller Randy Holcomb as import was to give more playing time to Thoss at his natural position at center.

Cone felt that bringing in a seven-footer to play in the 2008 Fiesta Conference would stunt the development of Thoss as a player. Either Thoss would get minimal minutes as a seldom-used substitute center for their import or that he would have to play out of position at the power forward spot instead of his usual position at center.

Thoss is not letting the award or the attention or the flattering comments go to his head.

I do not think of the award at all, said Thoss. All I can really do is to come out and work and work and work. We were eliminated early this past conference. So that means we really have a lot of work to do - both individually and as a team.

The only concern of Thoss right now is watching his weight this off-season.

I think I might have gained a few pounds, said Thoss. But I am trying to keep myself in decent shape. I watch what I eat and of course I have never stopped working out at all.

And just like everybody else on the team Thoss is very disappointed because the Aces did not fare well the past two conferences and was among the first teams to be eliminated. He promises that things will be different during the upcoming All Filipino conference when he expects the Aces to be competitive.

For all the fans of Alaska aces, sorry about the last conference, said Thoss. We are sure that we are going to come out strong in the next Philippine Cup. Thank you for your support and I hope to see you in the games soon.