Patriots expect tough grind vs Filipino-reinforced rivals

MANILA—The Philippine Patriots expect a tough grind in their back-to-back title bid as all five opposing teams tapped at least one Filipino player as import in the second season of the AirAsia Asean Basketball League. Indonesia Satria Muda Britama, the losing finalist in last year’s inaugural season, beefed up its roster with former San Miguel guard Kiko Adriano, Don Camaso and Ronald Capati. The Brunei Barracudas similarly reinforced their lineup with the Filipino trio of Chester Tolomia, Kevin White and Bryan Faundo.  The Singapore Slingers signed up Al Vergara anew aside from nabbing guard Leo Avenido from the Barracudas.  Former collegiate standouts Rudy Lingganay and Angel Raymundo will suit up for the Westports Kuala Lumpur Dragons, while ex-pro Eric Canlas will join the Chang Thailand Slammers to round up the 11 Filipino imports set to see action in the six-nation regional tournament. “Our five rivals have beefed up their respective rosters, but I think Satria Muda BritAma is the strongest of them all,” said RP Patriots coach Louie Alas. “Aside from having two reliable imports, they have three Filipinos in their fold.” The Patriots also lost to Thailand burly Jason Dixon, who powered the Patriots’ title run last season to cop the Best Import award.  “We just need to jell a little more,” said Alas. Led by Finals MVP Warren Ybañez,  the Patriots will kick off their campaign against the Barracudas at 4 p.m. this Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. Americans Donald Little and  Anthony Johnson will bolster the Patriots, who also listed Alex Crisano, Orly Daroya and Chito Jaime as among the new recruits.