Gunning for a better showing in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup, Alaska coach Alex Compton isn't too worried about how import Antonio Campbell will mesh with his squad.
After all, going undefeated in its tune-up games should already be enough evidence that he won't be having much difficulty blending in the 23-year-old slotman.
"Tony is an easy guy to get along with. He's smart and he's a learner. And I think his basketball IQ developed because he's a learner. He listens and tries to apply, and the great thing for guys like that is they can really get better and we've seen it in a couple of games," he said.
Though considerably younger compared to his fellow reinforcements, Campbell has shown eagerness to learn from the Aces' coaching staff, working closely with big man coach Danny Ildefonso while also getting pointers from consultant Sean Chambers as they all try to help ease his transition to the PBA.
"We'll just keep working with him," quipped Compton. "Having Danny Ildefonso in our staff working with him everyday is just a blessing because with Tony, he's going to lead us in minutes, points, and rebounds.
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And so far, the results have been promising, enough for the American bench tactician to put him on the same pedestal like former imports Rob Dozier, Shane Edwards, and Cory Jefferson.
"He's got the Alaska persona, on what we want from our top guys. He's a clean player, he plays hard, is smart, is a team guy and that's just what we need because we got some giants to play this conference," he said.
But Compton isn't willing to be content with his import's performance just yet.
"He's been doing well. He's a good kid and I like him, but he still has a lot to learn," he said.
"He's a smart player and that's something that I always value. And in the PBA, we are not the biggest team and we wouldn't be close to being the biggest team. Again, we won't be big so we have to be smart and really play hard."(DL)
