New-Look Patriots Defend ABL Title

MANILA, Philippines — A new batch of players will make up the Philippine Patriots who are out to win their second straight crown in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League that begins on October 3.

With just three cagers left from last year's squad, the Patriots decided to tap a mix of former collegiate stars and ex-pros in the hope of fielding a competitive squad against the five other Southeast Asian nations who are hoping to snatch the crown away from them.

The new additions in the team co-owned by Harbour Centre Mikee Romero and business Tony Boy Cojuangco are Benedict Fernandez, Junjun Cabatu, Orlando Daroya, Allen Malicsi, Kelvin Gregorio, Allan Salangsang, Harold Sta. Cruz, Egay Billones, Chito Jaime and one-time controversial personality Alex Crisano.

They will join the holdovers from the previous team in Finals Most Valuable Player Warren Ybanez, Erwin Sta. Maria and JP Alcaraz with team manager Erick Arejola expressing optimism that this squad can retain the championship.

“Just like my previous team, Harbour Centre, we thrive in our neversay- die attitude,” said Romero, who has won 10 championships in the PBL and various international competitions.

Fernandez was a former star for Far Eastern University while Cabatu and Gregorio suited up for La Salle and University of the East during their varsity days in the UAAP.

Tapped as foreign reinforcements are many-time PBA import Anthony Johnson, who last saw action for Sta. Lucia in the previous conference and veteran center Donald Little.

Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin