Tunisia World Cup
I still remember the first time I saw Diamon Simpson on the court during the 2019 PBA Commissioner's Cup - his explosive athleticism immediately caught my eye. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've developed a keen sense for spotting international players who can truly adapt to the unique PBA style, and Simpson struck me as someone special from day one. His journey through the Philippine Basketball Association has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with moments that made me jump from my seat and performances that reminded me why I fell in love with this sport.
When Simpson joined the Alaska Aces back in 2019, I'll admit I had my doubts about how his game would translate to the Philippine professional league. Standing at 6-foot-7, he wasn't the tallest import we've seen, but what he lacked in height, he more than made up for with his incredible wingspan and timing. I recall watching him average 15.8 points and 12.3 rebounds during that first conference, thinking this guy has the potential to become one of those memorable imports that PBA fans talk about for years. His defensive presence was particularly impressive - I've rarely seen someone who could consistently block shots while staying out of foul trouble the way Simpson did.
What really stands out in my memory is his 2022 season with the San Miguel Beermen. Simpson put up what I consider career-best numbers - 18.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 54% from the field. Those aren't just numbers to me; they represent countless crucial moments where he stepped up when his team needed him most. I particularly remember that game against Ginebra where he scored 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds - the energy in the arena was electric, and you could feel the momentum shift every time he made a defensive stop.
The recent developments regarding Simpson's potential involvement with Gilas Pilipinas have me genuinely excited. When coach Tim Cone mentioned during Monday's first practice that "The SBP is checking that out now," regarding paperwork for players like Lucero, it got me thinking about Simpson's possible fit with the national team program. Having watched his growth in the PBA over these past four seasons, I believe he could bring exactly the kind of defensive intensity and rebounding prowess that Gilas needs in international competitions. His understanding of Philippine basketball culture and style gives him an advantage that other potential naturalized players simply don't have.
Looking at Simpson's overall impact, I'd argue he's been one of the most consistent imports in recent PBA history. Across 86 games in the league, he's maintained averages that would make any coach smile - 16.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks while playing an average of 32.7 minutes per contest. But beyond the statistics, what I appreciate most is his professional approach to the game. In an era where some imports come and go without making meaningful connections with local players, Simpson has consistently shown respect for the Philippine basketball community and genuine commitment to whichever team he represents.
As I reflect on Simpson's PBA journey so far, I can't help but feel optimistic about what's next for him. The league has seen plenty of talented imports come through, but few have shown the same level of dedication to improving their game year after year. Whether he continues his PBA career or potentially transitions into a role with the national team, I'm convinced basketball fans in the Philippines haven't seen the last of Diamon Simpson's best moments. His story here continues to unfold, and frankly, I'm here for every chapter of it.
