RP Patriots Coach Wants Stronger Defense

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Patriots coach Louie Alas said on Monday they need to work double time on their defensive game if they want to have a fine start in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League Season 2.

While Alas admitted that his team now is a better offensive team than his squad last year, they must improve their defensive intensity to be more formidable.

They opened their title-retention with a 71-62 win over the Brunei Barracudas but Alas was unimpressed.

"It was an ugly win," Alas described. "I'm not comparing but the previous team, their defensive mentality was too much. This year, they knew that they are strong offensively so they'll rely on it so we have to work on our defense."

Former Sta Lucia import Anthony Johnson came away with 24 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Patriots but 6-foot-11 center Donald Little had 11 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in his debut.

“We're still not a gelled team so we have to plug the holes. The good thing is, it’s a five-month long tournament so we have enough time to make some adjustments defensively,” said co-owner Mikee Romero.

Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin