ALEX Compton knows Romeo Travis very well that the Magnolia import is one of the Alaska coach's concern going to the PBA Governors Cup finals between the Aces and the Hotshots two weeks from now.
Already a believer of the 33-year-old native of Akron, Ohio before, Compton admired his former import even more after watching him rose above the challenge after carrying the Hotshots to the championship series on his broad shoulders following a rousing win over Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals.
The Alaska coach was left in awe as Travis exploded for a career-high 50 points to rally Magnolia from a five-point deficit late in Game 4 and pull off a thrilling 112-108 win over the Kings to clinch the best-of-five series, 3-1.
Travis turned in the brilliant performance despite nursing a grade 2 hamstring injury.
His showing definitely made Travis a marked man in the team's title showdown with the Aces starting on December 5.
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"We'll see if we can limit Romeo Travis to less than 50 points, that's going to be one of our game plans," said Compton in jest, but with an obvious truth to his words.
"He was incredible (in Game 4)."
Compton previously worked with Travis as Alaska's import during the 2015 edition of the Governors Cup, the same conference where he was adjudged Best Import and saw the Aces advanced to the best-of-seven finals opposite San Miguel.
But the partnership didn't have a happy ending, with the Aces being swept by the Beermen in four games behind import AZ Reid and big man June Mar Fajardo.
Despite the sad parting of ways, the Alaska coach still has a high regard for his former import.
"The thing about Romeo is that he's such a smart like he's got a coach's brain," said Compton. "He understands and knows how to play basketball."
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Travis though, is just one of the pieces of puzzle the Aces have to solve against the Hotshots, who Compton said has been playing 'fantastic basketball on both sides.'
The Alaska coach added that if the Aces were able to get past the Meralco Bolts in their own semifinals series, the team just have to raise it to the next level against a talented unit such as the Hotshots.
"Meralco is playing so hard and so good, but they have some injured guys. Now Magnolia is just playing so well, that they're clicking and guys are healthy," said Compton. "Their import is playing great and is a smart team player, so we have to turn it on." (RG)
