RP Patriots tap ex-PBA import, Euro league vet

MANILA, Philippines - Former Sta. Lucia import Anthony Johnson and European veteran Donald Little will reinforce the Philippines Patriots when they shoot for back-to-back championships in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) which opens shop next month.

RP Patriots team manager Erick Arejola said Little is arriving today while Johnson will have to delay his arrival to be with his ailing father.

While Johnson is known to be a prolific scorer during his stint with the Realtors in the PBA, Little is expected to provide muscle in the shaded lane with his NBA prototype build.

Unlike his name, Little is tall at 6-foot-11.

Despite his size, Little, according to his local agent, is very athletic and a good shot-blocker which the Patriots, owned by Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero and businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco, need to add dimension to their game.

Little, who suited up for Cincinnati in the US NCAA from 1998 to 2002, had stints with Dynamo Moscow in Russia, J.D.A Dijon in France, Galatasaray Istanbul in Turkey, Sonic Boom KT and Anyang KT&G Kites in Korea and Lechugueros de Leon in Mexico.

“We have seen how good Johnson is, but we hope Little will live up to his resume,” said Romero.

“We need a tall and agile center, hopefully Little will be up to the task ahead.”

The two will take the slots vacated by two-time PBA Best Import winner Gabe Freeman and Jason Dixon – also a PBA veteran. Freeman is now playing in Australia while the 6-foot-10 Dixon has a previous commitment.

The Patriots, is hoping to formalize its line-up by next week.

Both Romero and Cojuangco have vowed to form a highly-competitive team as they hope to extend the country’s reign in the first-ever regional basketball league.