INQUIRER Sports

NO LESS THAN AN IMPRESSIVE performance is expected of the Philippine Patriots in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) Invitational Championship which fires off tomorrow in Jakarta.

?My instruction is very clear? they have to play as one big fighting unit because they will be playing against our long-time rival,? said Patriots head coach Louie Alas.

The Patriots, who leave for Jakarta Friday, go up against host Indonesia Satria Muda BritAma in their debut with PBA legend and assistant coach Bogs Adornado calling the shots in place of Alas.

?The Indonesians are very strong, they have been playing together for a long time,? said Alas, who had to stay behind to fulfill his commitment with the Letran Knights in the NCAA hoop wars.

The Patriots, bannered by Rob Wainwright and Khasim Mirza, will be reinforced by Americans Jason Dixon, who previously suited up as a Coca-Cola import, and former US NCAA standout Brandon Powell.

?As long as you?re playing for flag and country, it?s imperative that you go out and play with pride and passion,? said Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero, who co-owns the team with TV-5 honcho Tonyboy Cojuangco.

Other countries competing in the regional play-for-pay club tournament are the Brunei Barracudas, Kuala Lumpur Dragons, Thailand Tigers and the Singapore Slingers.

Ex-pros Neil Raneses, Froilan Baguion, Christian Coronel and Mark Andaya bolster the Patriots, who also tapped former PBL and Liga Pilipinas players Jerwin Gaco, Erwin Sta. Maria, Hafer Mondragon, Ricky Ricafuente, Nat Cruz and Dino Daa.