MANILA---Upset over past failures in the Philippine Cup, Alaska and Powerade are hoping to get back on their feet as they kick off their campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup today at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The clash of the Tigers and Aces serves as the aperitif to the main dish featuring B-Meg Derby Ace and Rain Or Shine, a squad parading a new coach in Yeng Guiao.

Focus, however, should be on the curtain-raiser with Alaska out to reclaim its pride following a sixth-place finish in the PH Cup, right after the previous conference where the Aces reigned supreme.

“We’ve had a solid pre-season and we’re hoping that will translate into a good start in the conference,” said Cone.

Cone also noted that import Larry Demetrius “LD” Williams, who replaced Eddie Basden for going over the required 6-foot-4 height limit, looks like a good fit.

“He jumps out of the gym and is very athletic,” said Cone of the former Wake Forest mainstay.

“Of course, he’s still young and he’s got to learn a lot about the triangle, but his teammates are helping him out.”

Williams, 22, has a prolific supporting cast at his disposal with LA Tenorio, Joe Devance, Cyrus Baguio, Don Dulay and Hans Thiele, swapped from Meralco for Reynel Hugnatan, expected to help him out.

Powerade coach Bo Perasol is also aching to recover lost ground after fi-nishing ninth last conference.

“Every game will be treated as a playoff game. Our opponents will definitely feel us,” said Perasol, whose Tigers went through minor changes that brought efficient playmaker Celino Cruz and forward JR Quiñahan to their backyard.

Derby Ace has brought two imports in Shamari Spears and Rob Brown, whom coach Jorge Gallent would like to see become a threat in the perimeter.

June Navarro, Phil. Daily Inquirer