MANILA, Philippines - Sa 14 players noong nakaraang Asean Basketball League (ABL) season, tanging si pointguard Warren Ybañez lamang ang itinira ni Air Asia Philippine Patriots team owner Mikee Romero.
Sinabi kahapon ni Romero na lubha siyang nasaktan sa kabiguan ng Patriots laban sa Chang Thailand Slammers via two-game sweep sa 2011 ABL Finals.
“Since 2005 until 2011 we won 10 championships in the PBL, the SEA Games, the SEABA and the ABL. It was the first time I lost in a championship,” ani Romero sa lingguhang PSA sports forum sa Shakey’s sa U.N. Avenue.
Para sa 2012 ABL season, kinuha ni Romero para sa Patriots sina ex-PBA players Ardy Larong, Reed Juntilla, Marcy Arellano, Al Vergara, Jonathan Fernandez at Rob Wainwright at Smart Gilas’ center Aldrech Ramos bukod pa sa pagtatambal nina imports Anthony Johnson at Nakiea Miller.
Kumpiyansa si Romero na muli nilang makukuha ang koronang inagaw sa kanila ng Slammers noong nakaraang ABL season.
“To say the least we assembled a well-balanced team this year. At this point we are ready to rumble,” wika ni Romero. “Again, we will give them the Philippine brand of basketball.”