Thoss makes the difference for Alaska

It is always pleasing to personally witness a player mature over time. Such is the case for Alaska’s Joachim “Sonny" Thoss, who has fully bloomed into the dynamic player he was envisioned to be in the ongoing KFC-PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.

The KFC/Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period Feb. 8 to 14 is averaging 15.7 points and 9.0 rebounds for the Aces against Barangay Ginebra and coach Tim Cone said the 6-foot-7 center is the primary reason why they are up, 3-0, in the best-of-seven duel.

Alaska needs one more win to make a second straight finals appearance in the tournament formerly known as the All-Filipino and Cone believes Thoss will show his team the way.

“Sonny has been the difference in our series so far. He’s been playing with great confidence," said Cone. “We feel we can feed him the ball in the post and he’ll always make a great decision for us."

It is the kind of game expected from Thoss ever since he was drafted as a strapping 22-year-old by the Alaska franchise in 2004. It took him some time to hone his skills and fully fit into Cone’s system but the wait, Cone had said, was worth it.

The one-time national team member even brings some extras into his game, like an occasional perimeter jumper and an average of 2.0 blocks in the series against the Kings.

“He’s the best defensive big man in the league," Cone stated.

Thoss brought his A-game to the fore in the series opener, racking up 21 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in a 104-79 win. He followed that up with 17 points in a 90-82 victory last Friday before scraping up nine points and eight rebounds in a 91-88 decision last Sunday.

Such impressive numbers may satisfy most, yet Thoss still keeps working on his game, pleasing Cone even more.

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV