Dixon, Powell to power Patriots

MANILA, Philippines - Former Coca-Cola import Jason Dixon of Liberty University and Brandon Powell of the 2006-07 NCAA champion University of Florida varsity will reinforce the Philippine Patriots in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) that tips off in Jakarta on Oct. 10.

Dixon, 36, is a 6-9 center who averaged 21.1 points and 10.4 rebounds in 21 games for the Tigers in the 2007-08 PBA Fiesta Conference. Powell, 22, claims Filipino roots and played a minor role for Florida as a freshman, averaging 1.6 points during the Gators title season. The 6-3 guard was dropped from the Florida lineup after he was arrested for buying less than a gram of marijuana for $20 from a police informant in a “reverse sting” operation. He later transferred to an NAIA school Cumberland University in Tennessee.

Patriots team manager Erick Arejola said Powell, who plays for Chick Boy Pop in the Danny Espiritu Cup, and 6-3 Jeremy Robinson were considered to team up with Dixon. Robinson and seven-time PBA Best Import awardee Bobby Parks led Spring Cooking Oil to the 2002 National Interclub title in Cebu City.

Mikee Romero, who owns the Patriots franchise with Tonyboy Cojuangco, confirmed yesterday that Dixon and Powell will play for the team in its ABL debut against Indonesia’s four-time club titlist Satria Muda Britama. Indonesia is coached by Fictor Roring and will parade American imports 6-11 Theo Little of Arkansas State and 6-7 Alex Hartman of Concordia University.

There are six teams in the ABL’s inaugural season that will end with a best-of-five finals in February. The entries are the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand Tigers, Kuala Lumpur Dragons, Brunei Barracudas and Singapore Slingers. Each team is allowed two Asean and two non-Asean imports.

Brunei coach Bong Ramos has recruited ex-PBA pros Leo Avenido, Francis Adriano and Don Camaso but will be restricted to play only two in a game. Another PBA veteran Al Vergara will play for Singapore whose imports are 6-9 Kyle Jeffers of Oregon State and 6-6 Michael LeBlanc of Houston Baptist. The Slingers coach is Frank Arsego.

General Electric is the title sponsor of the ABL for three years. The ABL is backed up by FIBA-Asia and SEABA.

Arejola said Patriots coach Louie Alas conducted tryouts for two weeks and picked 12 players from about 30 hopefuls. Among those who attended the tryouts were Mark Isip, a Rain Or Shine free agent recently signed by Talk ‘N’ Text, and Donbel Belano, now with Barako Bull.

Six former PBA players are in the Patriots roster – 6-8 Mark Andaya, 6-3 Rob Wainwright, 5-7 Froilan Baguion, 5-8 Christian Coronel, 6-3 Neil Raneses and 6-5 Nat Cruz. The others are Jerwin Gaco, Ricky Ricafuente, Erwin Sta. Maria, Dino Daa, Khazim Mirza and Haser Mondragon. Gaco, Baguion and Ricafuente applied for the 2005 PBA draft but were not chosen.

Romero called Indonesia the Patriots’ nemesis and archrival. Playing against Satria Muda Britama in Jakarta will be a big challenge but if the Patriots win, it will establish the team as a serious title contender.

“I am certain that the ABL will become a big league because it pits country against country, resembling patriotic sporting connections,” said Romero. “With a mix of ex-pros plus some rookies, I think we have a big chance to become the ABL’s first champions. The Patriots will soar in this league.”

Arejola promised a “fighting” team in the tradition of Romero’s Harbour Centre championship squads.

“This is a new experience for us and another challenge for our organization,” said Arejola. “We’re practicing hard every day at the Letran gym with coach Louie and assistant coach Bogs Adornado. Mr. Romero and Mr. Cojuangco are both excited about the possibility of taking the Philippines to the top of the ABL.”

Arejola said the players are motivated to prove they belong as pros. “The PBA veterans are out to prove they’re still capable while the others want to show they can perform at a high level,” continued Arejola. “Their attitude is palaban. The team is ready to go forward.”