Defense key to Patriots title-retention campaign

MANILA, Philippines - Coach Louie Alas has stressed the need to toughen up on defense when the Philippine Patriots open their title-retention bid against the Brunei Barracudas in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Season 2 tomorrow at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The league actually kicks off its second season today in Bangkok, Thailand with the hosts taking on the Kuala Lumpur Dragons in the lone game at 8 p.m.

“I’m not yet impressed with our defense, we need to improve more to be more competitive,” said Alas.

“But we’re ready to defend our title. Everybody is excited,” he added.

According to Alas, Donald Little should play more aggressively at the post to help fellow import Anthony Johnson, a former Sta. Lucia import in the PBA.

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

Even RP Patriots co-team owner Mikee Romero of Harbour Centre is aware of Alas’ dilemma but he expressed confidence the coaching staff would be able to work on it.

The Patriots are practically a new squad since only three from last year’s team – JP Alcaraz, Warren Ybanez and Erwin Sta. Maria – were retained.

Veteran Allan Salangsang, Chito Jaime, Junjun Cabatu, and Harold Sta. Maria play the 3 and 4 positions but Alas stressed they can pose as an offensive threat to their rivals since they are capable of shooting threes.

Also on the team are Benedict Fernandez, Orly Daroya, Egay Billiones, Alex Crisano, Parri Llagas and Kelvin Gregorio.