INQUIRER Sports

TEAM CAPTAIN ROB WAINWRIGHT expects the Philippine Patriots to make a solid showing in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) Invitational despite completing their roster just days before the tournament unfolds this Saturday in Jakarta.

?I think we got a really competitive team,? said Wainwright, a former PBA standout. ?We got a lot of young guys in the team. It?s more of us jelling together. But we have the tools, from the point guard to the big men, to be a competitive team in the league.?

The Patriots, bolstered by American imports Jason Dixon and Brandon Powell, will debut against host Indonesia Satria Muda BritAma in the season opener.

?The team to watch is Indonesia, which has 6-11 and 6-8 imports, as well as the Singapore Slingers,? team owner Mikee Romero told yesterday?s PSA Forum at Shakey?s UN Avenue.

?International games, based on our experience, are always physical matches. That?s why we got coach Louie Alas who?s known for developing tough players. We?re physical, but we?re also fast and aggressive.?

The Brunei Barracudas, Kuala Lumpur Dragons and Thailand Tigers round up the six-nation, home-and-away club tournament.

?I think we have a strong chance; coach Louie has a good system,? said Khasim Mirza, who played his final UAAP season this year with the University of Santo Tomas.

?I?m looking forward to playing with this team,? said Dixon, the 6-foot-10 former Coca Cola Tigers import who arrived only last week.

Other former PBA players suiting up for the Patriots are Neil Raneses, Froilan Baguion, Christian Coronel and Mark Andaya.

?We have a run-and gun type of offense,? said team manager Erick Arejola.

Romero, a member of the ABL board, said the Patriots have a five-year commitment with the league which hopes to expand next year.