Patriots wary of Slammers in ABL title showdown

MANILA, Philippines -  Are the Patriots scared of the Slammers? Listening to their coaches, yes, it seems to be that way.

“I prefer to face the weaker team,” said Philippine Patriots assistant coach Williams “Bogs” Adornado yesterday as he looked forward to the finals of the second Air Asia Asean Basketball League.

The three-time MVP in the Philippine Basketball Association was referring to the Singapore Slingers who faced a 0-1 deficit against the Thailand Slammers in their own semifinals matchup.

The Slingers and the Slammers were playing in Singapore as of presstime last night, as the Patriots rest at home, already in the finals following a sweep of the Kuala Lumpur Dragons.

If the Slingers prevail, a decisive third game will be played. Otherwise, the Slammers will advance to the finals against the Patriots, and will host the first of three games either on Feb. 11 or 13.

Adornado believes that the Slingers, who lost all three games to the Patriots in the eliminations, will be the easier opponent.

“I prefer to face the team where we have the better chance. I believe Singapore will be easier to beat. They don’t have a deep bench like the Thais,” Adornado told the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Avenue.

The Patriots lost twice in three games against the Slammers in the elims, and facing the same Thai team in the finals could mean a lower chance of them retaining the championship.

“Their (Slammers) locals have improved. They are very strong that’s why I prefer to face the lighter opponent,” added Adornado.

Another assistant coach, Glen Capacio, aired the same sentiment.

“I prefer to face the Slingers. We will have the advantage. Besides, we will have the homecourt edge (in Game One) because of our better record in the elims,” said Capacio.

Thailand topped the elims with an 11-4 record, followed by the Philippines at 9-6, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, tied at 8-7.

“Mas gusto ko na kalaban ang Singapore,” added Capacio, a defensive specialist during his PBA days.

Patriots head coach Louie Alas did not attend the forum due to the death of his mother the other day.

Adornado said the Thais may enjoy the upperhand against the Filipinos due to a deeper bench, including Pinoy import Froilan Baguion, and imports Jason Dixon and Chris Quete.

Dixon used to play for the Patriots but has moved on to the Thai side. Now serving as Patriots imports are old hand Gabe Freeman and Steve Thomas.

“Actually, all the other teams have matured and improved a lot,” added Adornado, explaining why the Patriots, who used to dominate the opposition, failed to land the top spot this year.

“And in our case we had a new lineup. We had to start from scratch. There were a lot of adjustments because of the new players. We don’t have the kind of players we had last year,” he added.

Team owner Mikee Romero shared the belief.

“It’s really hard maintaining the level of competence with so many changes in the lineup,” he said.

However, he said that now that the Patriots are in the finals, it’s back to square one, whoever they’re up against.

“Things will change in the finals. I’m confident with our team. Iba na ang usapan pagdating sa finals,” he added.