Photo by August dela Cruz
MANILA, Philippines—Building the team’s chemistry may be one of the tougher tasks for the AirAsia Philippine Patriots when the retooled squad tangles with five other Asean Basketball League (ABL) teams in a preseason tournament in Bangkok.
“We haven’t jelled as a team,” said Patriots coach Glenn Capacio. “We need to build better communication inside the court, and that’s our main objective for this tournament.”
The Patriots will tackle newcomer Saigon Heat tomorrow in the tournament, dubbed as “To Be No. 1 Basketball Challenge,” serving as a fund-raiser for the victims of the city’s recent massive flooding.
Aldrech Ramos, a former Smart Gilas Pilipinas mainstay, and veteran guards Al Vergara and Warren Ybañez banner the squad reinforced by last season’s Best Imports Nakiea Miller and Anthony Johnson.
Reed Juntilla, Rob Wainwright, Marcy Arellano, Jonathan Fernandez, Erick Rodriguez, Ardy Larong, Eddie Laure, Eder Saldua and Angel Raymundo complete the Patriots roster.
Joining the Patriots and the Heat in one group are the Bangkok Cobras, where they will compete in a single-round robin.
Clashing in the other group are the San Miguel Beermen, the Singapore Slingers and the Indonesia Warriors.
The top team in each group will battle in do-or-die Finals on Sunday.