ABL: San Miguel Beermen imports need to step up–Parks

MANILA, Philippines—A humbled San Miguel squad no longer sees itself as favorite when the Beermen clash with the AirAsia Philippine Patriots in an early showdown of league heavyweights this weekend.

San Miguel coach Bobby Parks said an arduous week awaits the Beermen, who debuted with a stunning overtime loss against the Westports Malaysia Dragons, 83-77, in the Asean Basketball League last Sunday.

“Overall, we just have to get back to work,” said Parks. “We have a tough game this Saturday and we know the Patriots are just there waiting for us.”

The blockbuster duel between the Patriots and the Beermen is set at 6 p.m. this Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Unlike the Beermen—picked as the team to beat after topping a preseason tournament in Bangkok—the Patriots had less preseason luster, yet kicked off their bid with an 86-58 rout of the Bangkok Cobras last Saturday.

Parks said his American reinforcements need to raise their game as the Patriots boast a formidable tandem in Nakiea Miller, last season’s Best Import, and Anthony Johnson.

“We have to do a better job in containing the imports,” said Parks .“There are some things we need to fix on defense and offense”

Miller and Johnson teamed up for 41 points against Bangkok, while San Miguel’s Dalron Johnson and Richard Jeter combined for only 28 versus Malaysia.