Patriots open ABL quest vs Cobras

MANILA, Philippines - The AirAsia Philippine Patriots get the chance to display their wares before local fans as they kick off their title campaign in the third AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Championship against the Bangkok Cobras at the San Juan gym today.

Patriots coach Glenn Capacio said the 4 p.m. showdown presented by PG Flex Linoleum would likely gauge the team’s strength, especially for imports Nakiea Jovon Miller and former PBA reinforcement Anthony Johnson, who have been tasked to carry the cudgels for the 2010 champions.

Capacio expects no less than a spirited battle for this year’s title although he believes the Patriots have what it takes to win again in the eight-team tournament, which includes the country’s second team, the San Miguel Beermen.

“It’s going to be an exciting contest this time, perhaps much tougher than last year,” said Capacio. “But we have one of the best local squads in the league so it’s just a matter of time before we reach our full potential.”

The 6-10 Miller won the Best Import award while playing for the Westports Dragons (Malaysia) while the 6-foot-6 Johnson is out to show his worth following a series of injuries.

“That’s one good challenge for these guys, they want to prove something,” said Harbour Centre CEO and president Mikee Romero who co-owns the team with Tony Boy Cojuangco. “But watch out for our locals, too.”

But Miller and Anthony are expected to have their hands full against their counterparts, including Genry Lewis, the tallest in the league at 7-foot. The Cobras also boasts of 6-11 Bruce Brown.

Cobras’ coach is handled by Joe Bryant, father of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Capacio is also pinning his hopes on locals Jonathan Fernandez, Marcy Arellano, Reed Junstilla, Aldrech Ramos and Eddie Laure along with Erick Rodriguez, Rob Wainwright, Angelus Raymundo, Ardy Larong and Warren Ybanez.

“We now have a rhythm but we have to improve every game if we want to return to the finals,” said Capacio.

Former PBA player Marvin Cruz is the Cobras’ Filipino import in the event backed by ACCEL, Avis Phil., Harbour Centre, DPC Yellow Pages, Gold’s Gym, Gerry’s Grill, Timex, Burlington, UK Derm, Piaggio, Kinesio, Solid Shipping, Lifeline Rescue and Molten.