Alas Wary and Excited of Patriots’ Title Drive

MANILA, Philippines — While they’re still trying to improve on their defense, Philippine Patriots coach Louie Alas hopes that their mental toughness and experience will drive his team to a fine start in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).

Although he is still far from satisfied with regards to their defense due to lack of certified big man, Alas remains confident that the Patriots can remedy their problem as the tournament progresses.

“I’m not yet impressed with our defense, we need to put more teeth to be more competitive,” said Alas. “Still, we’re ready to defend our title. Everybody is excited.”

While Anthony Johnson, a former import for Sta Lucia in the PBA, will be tasked to be the Patriots' go-to-guy with his prolific offensive prowess,

Alas hopes to see more aggressiveness from his other import in 6-foot-11 center Donald Little.

“He (Little) should be more aggressive,” said Alas. “We have no problem offensive-wise since my medium sized players can shoot from the outside.”

Although concerned with the team’s problem, Harbour Centre big boss Mikee Romero, who co-owns the team along with businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco, has also kept his optimism that the Patriots can be as deadly as last year’s team.

“We have to be a good defensive and running team, that was our formula in winning the title last year,” said Romero.

“For us to keep our title, we have to stay that way, fast and furious.”

The ABL season debuts this Saturday in Bangkok, Thailand with the KL Dragons, led by Filipinos Rudy Lingganay, Angel Raymundo, and reportedly James Mangahas taking on the Thailand Slammers powered by former Patriot and ABL Best Import Jason Dixon.

The Patriots start their title-retention bid against the Brunei Barracudas this Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

“Our first game will be a big test for us,” said team manager Erick Arejola.

Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin