The franchise is banking on the youth following its signing deals with two young guns Alec Stockton and RK Ilagan ahead of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 46 which is slated to open either in late June or early July.

The Aces had earlier signed sixth overall selection Ben Adamos and early second-rounder Taylor Browne to rookie deals which saw the club holding all four rookies now they drafted last March.

Stockton, a product of Far Eastern University, was obtained 21st overall pick by Alaska using the second of its two second-round draft picks it obtained from Phoenix in the Vic Manuel trade.

On the other hand, Iligan, a shooting guard from San Sebastian in the NCAA, was called in the third round as the 33rd overall selection.

The 5-foot-7 expresses gratitude to Alaska for giving him an opportunity.

“Sobrang saya po kasi pangarap ng family ko ‘to. And sobrang grateful ako sa Alaska kasi binigyan nila ko ng chance para ma-prove ‘yung sarili ko,” Ilagan said.

Although it was only a recent signing, Stockton and Ilagan have been playing in the Aces practices in Batangas City before moving to a gym inside the Valentino Resort and Spa in Lipa City.

For Ilagan, after securing a team in the professional basketball league, the real work is just beginning and he must strive hard to stay longer in the PBA. 

“Siguro kailangan ko muna mag-adjust sa playing style ng PBA kasi alam natin na ‘di ko na magagawa lahat ng mga ginagawa ko sa Baste,” the 24-year-old native of Tondo averred.

“Kailangan ko sa ngayon gawin kung ano ‘yung kailangan at gusto ipagawa sa ‘kin nila coach Jeff [Cariaso], at i-embrace ko lang kung anong role ‘yung gusto sa akin nila coach,” he propounded.