MANILA, Philippines – After a lopsided loss against Purefoods in the finals series of the recently concluded KFC-PBA Philippine Cup, the Alaska Aces has acquired the services of 22-year-old defensive specialist Diamon Simpson.

According to PBA.ph, Simpson was signed up by Aces to strengthen the team for the PBA Fiesta Conference, which starts on March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.

He will team up with Alaska’s new recruits, Sam Eman and Sonny Thoss, to beef up the Aces’ frontline.

Simpson registered an average of 15.5 points and 9.6 rebounds while playing for the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the National Basketball Association Developmental League.

He also averaged 1.7 steals and 1.6 blocks per game while playing power forward for St. Mary’s Gaels. He was cited as Defensive Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com in 2008.

Air21, meanwhile, acquired Leroy Hickerson, a 2-time slam dunk champion in the Mexican League.

Last year, Hickerson registered an average of 19.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game while playing for the Halcones UV Xalapa.

PBA clubs Sta. Lucia, Rain or Shine and defending Fiesta Conference champion San Miguel Beer are bringing in their former imports.

The Realtors will kick off their campaign with Anthony Johnson while giant Jai Lewis will play for the Elasto Painters. The Beermen will rely once again on Gabe Freeman to retain their title.