Finally, the cast of imports is complete. Alaska Aces chose to go with a 2009 US NCAA champion. While Blackwater, may end up replacing Aaron Fuller due to injury.
ALASKA ACES - Justin Watts
After Branden Dawson ended up getting over the height limit, Aces rushed to get a replacement as the next conference is fast-approaching.
Watts is not much of a scorer. In all his stints on different international leagues, the highest scoring average that he reached was 15.8 points. He is also not much of a rebounder, averaging 3.0 rebounds per game.
He is a decent playmaker, averaging 3.6 assists per game in his stint in Lithuania. He is also a decent shooter, making 34.6% of his attempts from beyond the arc last season.
Even his advance defensive numbers are not that promising. I will not be shocked if he ends up as one of the earliest import to be replaced.
Grade: D
BLACKWATER ELITE - Marqus Blakely
When TNT decided to bring back Blakely last 2018 Governors' Cup, I was pessimistic about it. He surpassed my expectations as he averaged 23.0 points, 15.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.2 blocks, 58% FG and 36% 3FG per game.
If Alex Stephenson worked pretty well for Blackwater, I expect Blakely to even be a better fit for this conference. He will bring energy and will be a glue to their offense and defense. Although size will be a problem for the Elite, they will have a modern level of malleability and flexibility. They can easily play a switch-it-all defense.
Grade: A
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