POWERADE and Alaska became the first teams to secure imports for the import-laced Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup set to start next month.

The Tigers, who were forced to an early vacation after failing to reach the quarterfinals, will parade journeyman Titus Ivory as its import for the next conference, which set a limit of 6’4” for reinforcements.

Ivory is a shooting guard, who had spent most of his career playing for pro leagues in Europe. He last played for Hapoel Holon of Israel in the Euro league.

The 31-year-old Ivory, who played for Penn State University in college, also saw action for German and Italian leagues.

Ivory, listed as 6’4,” arrived last Saturday and already had a couple of practices with the Tigers.

Alaska, meanwhile, signed up former NBA player Eddie Basden.

Basden played 19 games for the Chicago Bulls during the 2005-2006 season, before packing his bags for Europe, where he saw action in the NBA D-League.

The 27-year-old Basden, described as a well-rounded player, is scheduled to arrive on Jan. 23.

The Aces start practice on Monday.

Air21 and Talk ‘N Text are also mulling their options regarding their imports. The Express are planning to bring back LeRoy Hickerson, while the Texters are reportedly eyeing NBDL star Paul Harris.

Jeric Lopez, Manila Standard Today