A Former Rainier Beach Star Was Exiled to the Wacky World of Filipino Basketball

In the second half, the team played better but still lost. They were down three games to two and would have to win twice in a row to become champions. Cone decided to continue to feign anger toward Ellis and the rest of the team to create tension, which he hoped would make the players tougher and more aggressive.

"If you're feeling bad, frankly, guys, I could give a shit," Cone told the team at practice before Game 6. "This isn't about rubbing each other on the shoulder and making us feel good, because if we lose, we're not gonna like each other anyway. All I care about is: Are you ready to come out and win a game tomorrow?"

Courtesy of the Alaska Aces

Ellis’ behind-the-back dribble lands a rival defender on his ass.

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More About

• Rosell Ellis
• Willie Miller
• Philippine Basketball Association
• National Basketball Association
• Tim Cone

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Alaska ran Talk 'N Text out of the gym in Game 6, and then, with his team trailing by eight at halftime, Ellis took over Game 7, posting up on the left block and scoring on a constant stream of jump hooks. Miller, playing calm and steady for once, delivered him the ball on most of these possessions. In the last minute, Miller crossed over at the top of the key, barreled to the rim, and flipped in a finger roll to give Alaska a two-point lead. On the next play, Miller stripped Cardona, walked the ball up the court, and found Ellis for a crucial score, giving Alaska a 98-94 lead with less than a minute to play, and Alaska held on to win by three points to claim the championship.

A week after his locker-room showdown with Cone, Ellis and his teammates were sitting on fellow Ace Jeff Cariaso's deck, laughing and watching the city lights in the distance. The Filipinos brought San Miguel Light and Ellis chipped in a couple of bottles of Hennessy and Grand Marnier.

It was a cross-cultural love-fest that would have seemed impossible a week earlier, capped by Ellis and Miller posing together for a picture. They stood side by side, each grinning with a crispy pig ear between his teeth while holding the porcine head in front of them. Just before the shutter snapped, both players said in unison, "Oh yeah!"

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