Dozier remains Aces’ top import choice but reunion unlikely

MANILA, Philippines – The Alaska Aces’ top priority is to bring back import Robert Dozier for a third straight PBA Commissioner’s Cup conference, but the busy schedule of the 29-year-old Georgia native could deter a reunion.

Dozier, a former NBA second round pick by the Miami Heat, is currently playing for Al Shabab Dubai in a professional basketball league in the United Arab Emirates. His contract with the team ends in the first week of January, roughly about three weeks before the start of the 2014-2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on January 27.

Alaska team manager Richard Bachman Bachman told Rappler on Thursday, December 18 that the Aces plan on signing Dozier once his current contract with Al Shabab is up. But according to Dozier’s sports agent in the Philippines, Sheryl Reyes, there’s a possibility Dozier signs a new contract to stay in Dubai pass the first week of January.

“The team will possibly renew him,” Reyes told Rappler.

There’s also a chance that Dozier returns home to the United States where he hopes to get signed by an NBA D-League team.

“Rob is looking at going to the D-League, so as of now, I have informed [Alaska head coach] Alex Compton that they can find others,” said Reyes

“For now Rob is undecided and focused in Dubai.”

Dozier helped lead the Aces, then coached by Luigi Trillo, to the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship as they swept Barangay Ginebra in three games. He was crowned the Best Import of the Conference after averaging 20.1 PPG, 17.6 RPG, 2.9 BPG, and 2.5 APG.

In the following season’s Commissioner’s Cup, Dozier helped lead the Aces to a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by eventual champion San Mig Coffee Super Mixers. Dozier put up averages of 20.4 PPG, 14.2 RPG, 2.4 BPG, and 2.0 APG in 12 games.

– Rappler.com