Tougher ABL forces Patriots revamp

MANILA, Philippines –  Partners Mikee Romero and Tony Boy Cojuangco intend to overhaul their Philippine Patriots team in the Asean Basketball League, as they brace for an expected strong field with the entry of new teams – two from the Philippines.

“The level of competition in the ABL is now high, and it will only get higher. There’s no more room for mediocrity. We have to bring in the big boys. We will effect a complete overhaul in our team,” Romero told The STAR during the AirAsia ABL Internship Program launch at Gerry’s Grill at Ali-Mall in Cubao, Quezon City yesterday.

At the same time, The STAR learned from ABL chief executive officer Kuhan Foo that there were initial negotiations with San Miguel Corp. for its possible entry as expansion team in the fledgling regional cage league.

Foo also said another interested participant is a Cebu-based team but couldn’t say whether it’s the team of Jean Henri Lhuillier or Michel Lhuillier.

“We had initial talks with San Miguel and the Cebu team. We’ll issue an official announcement as soon as any deal is done,” said Foo.

“(Participation of) three teams from the Philippines is much welcome. Cebu is a different market while Manila, being a big city, can well accommodate two teams (Philippine Patriots and SMC),” Foo also said.

 There will be a new squad from Jakarta, Indonesia, Foo added.

Romero said they will evaluate the players past performances before doing a revamp two or three months from now.

“Both the team lineup and coaching staff will be overhauled. Makikipag-agawan na kami ng players sa PBA team (We’ll try to lure players from the PBA) since we pay almost the same amount of salary to our players in the ABL,” said Romero.

“We’ll also scout players from the PBA D-League and look for those who can be considered for our team,” added Romero whose team was denied back-to-back championships by the Thai squad bannered by Filipino reinforcements Froilan Baguion and Leo Avenido, and former Philippine Patriot import Jason Dixon.

He mentioned Rob Wainwright, Aris  Dimaunahan and Chad Alonzo as the free agents they would likely tap.

Since 2011 is a Southeast Asian Games year, the ABL set in January the opening of its third season. From then on, the ABL season runs from January to June, synchronized with the FIBA Asia calendar of activities.

Foo presided over the the launching of the ABL internship program aimed to help spur the development of sports and education in the region.

“The internship program will serve as a platform for Asean youths to gain valuable working experiences and at the same time develop their skills and talents. By being part of the internship program, these students will be exposed to the inner workings of a professional basketball league and a corporation,” said Foo.

In the same event, the ABL presented Editha Botecario, a lady referee, as the first Filipina to complete the program at the University of Makati . She’s aspiring to be a FIBA referee.

“The arena of sports presents many career opportunities that have been overlooked or have not been given due attention. With ABL, it’s our intent to open these new career avenues that would also converge in the direction pointing to the overall growth of sports in the region,” said Romero.

“This is a reflection of what AirAsia is all about – advocacy,” said Cojuangco.

For more information, visit www.aseanbasketballleague.com or call the ABL office at +6012-3311398.