Patriots ready,confident in ABL's title retention bid

Despite losing several key players,the defending champions Philippines Patriots are confident in their title retentions bid in the Asean Basketball League(ABL)which begins its seconds season on Oct 2

With than half off the team's prevous members not returning this season:Warren Ybanez Erwin Sta Maria and former Letran Guard JP Alcaraz is expected to be back.

But nine ex PBA players,including former import Anthony Jhonson will backstop the Patriots campaign

Johnson who played three season in the PBA as import of Coca Cola and Sta Lucia will be the Patriots new reinforcement alongside Donald Little.

This happened after the Patriots prevous imports -Jason Dixon and two time PBA Bets import Gabe Freeman - couldnt join the squad this time because of commitments elsewhere.

Other former PBA players who will play for the Patriots this season are slotman Alex Crisano,Benedict Fernandez,Junjun Cabatu,Orly Daroya,Kevin Gregorio,Chito Jaime,Egay Billiones and Allen Salangsang.

Crisano Daroya and Fernandez suited up for Barako Bull,Cabatu was reserved player for Ginebra,Billiones third string point guard for Air21,jaimie,Gregorio last played for Sta Lucia while Salangsang sew action last season for Rain Or Shine.

Also included the Patriots roster were University of Santo Tomas 'Allen Malicsi'and Letrans Harold Sta Cruz.

RP patriots team Manager Erick Arejola believed this year teams remain formidable despite losing several key players such as Dixon,Freeman,Noynoy Baclao and Elmer Espiritu.

We know the players we got.theyre talented.They just need proper exposure to relized their true potential," said Arejola.

Baclao emerged as the overall top pick in last month in PBA Rookie draft while Espirituwas also draftee in the first round by Alaska -RCJ Gma News.Tv