Alaska raves about mate Yousef Taha during season opener against Blackwater

Luisa Morales (Philstar.com) – July 17, 2021 – 3:30 p.m.

MANILA, Philippines – The Alaskan Aces were more than happy with big man Yousef Taha in his first official PBA game with the franchise.

This as the 6’8 “slot player scored a career-high 16 points on 70% shots and seven boards in their 103-77 Blackwater Bossing surge in the season opener of the PBA at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City on Friday.

Acquired as a free agent earlier this year, Taha has shown no rust despite not playing in the PBA last season.

“Hopefully he gets better as we progress, but tonight we’re really happy with his performance,” Alaska head coach Jeff Cariaso said after the game.

“He really gives us that great inside presence, he has good skills on the post so we take advantage of that as well,” he added.

Before his stint with the Aces, Taha adapted for the last time to TNT in 2019.

Cariaso knows, however, that the road will only get more complicated for the Palestinian-Thread as he is expected to face tougher opponents as the season progresses.

The tactician says his ward is also aware of this and therefore expects the 33-year-old not to stagnate in his development.

“He’s smart enough to know that, you know, he’s gonna be [up] against bigger players, bigger opponents, so we expect the defense to be better for him and for everyone, ”Cariaso said.

“All we can ask them is to keep pushing and improving on a daily basis,” he added.

Taha and the Alaskan Aces hope to continue off to a good start when they face Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, July 21.