Glenn Capacio confident PH Patriots can regain top form, ABL crown
MANILA, Philippines—Coach Glenn Capacio thinks the Philippine Patriots are finding the form they need to reclaim the crown in the Asean Basketball League (ABL).
Despite admitting that the San Miguel Beermen remains a favorite, Capacio said he likes what he saw in a recent tune-up match where the Patriots drubbed Qatar club champion Al-Jays, 72-62.
“We’ve improved a lot,” said Capacio. “The imports are adjusting to the locals, and we’re gradually finding chemistry.”
The sweet-shooting Jonathan Fernandez paced the Patriots with 16 points against the Qataris last Friday.
Nakiea Miller—the reigning Best Import the Patriots acquired from the Westports Malaysia Dragons—added 14 markers, while fellow American reinforcement Anthony Johnson had 13.
Last month, the Patriots bowed to the debuting Beermen in the Finals of another exhibition tournament in Bangkok where six of the league’s eight-team cast saw
action.
“It’s really hard to go up against San Miguel because they’re a tall team, but we have the advantage in quickness,” said Capacio.
The Patriots captured the league’s
inaugural crown but failed in their title defense last year when they lost to the Chang Thailand Slammers in the Finals.
But the Patriots revamped their lineup for Season 3 with Aldrech Ramos, the former Smart Gilas and Far Eastern University mainstay, among the key additions along with veteran guard Al Vergara, Reed Juntilla, Eddie Laure and Marcy Arellano.
Capacio said Billy Ray Bates, the former PBA Import tapped by the Patriots as a skills coach, has also contributed to the team’s development.
“He helps out our big men, and I’m happy that he is playing a big part in our team,” said Capacio.
The 55-year-old Bates, nicknamed as the “Black Superman” in the PBA, said he enjoys his stint with the Patriots.
“I have been working out with the players for two months already and everything is going well,” said Bates. “The players understand what I am doing.”
The Patriots kick off their campaign against newcomer Bangkok Cobras in the league opener on Jan. 14 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
