RP Patriots need to step up game vs Barracudas

10/31/2009

Ateneo’s Nonoy Baclao and University of the East’s Elmer Espiritu, two of the finest young forwards around, will be put to another test today as the Philippine Patriots shoot for their first back-to-back wins against the Brunei Barracudas in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) at The Arena in San Juan.

The 6-foot-4 Baclao and the 6-foot-3 Espiritu debuted in grand fashion last Sunday as they came through with brilliant defensive efforts to help the Patriots beat the visiting Thailand Tigers, 74-61.

Showing he’s ready for the big league after helping Ateneo win back-to-back UAAP championships — the last one against UE — Baclao contributed seven points, five bocks and the same number of rebounds — a feat that earned him a ton of respect from team owners Mikee Romero of Harbour Centre and businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco and coach Louie Alas.

Espiritu was equally fantastic, dishing out eight markers, four blocks and three boards in 21 minutes of action.

Romero and Alas, however, said that for the Patriots to beat the Barracudas in their 4 p.m. encounter, Baclao, Espiritu and Val Acuna — another late addition to the team — must raise their level of game a notch higher.

“We need another big game from Nonoy and Elmer. Val and the rest of the team must also step up since Brunei is determined to beat us,” said Romero.

The Patriots are locked in a two-way tie for second to third with Indonesia’s Satria Muda BritAma at 2-1.

While Brunei imports enjoy a decisive edge in height than their Patriot counterparts, Alas is convinced that their quickness and hustle will make a major difference.

“Since we have two dependable guards, we have to run and wear them down,” said Alas, who is counting heavily on Froilan Baguion and Warren Ybanez to run the show with Christian Coronel remains a doubtful starter.

Aside from their towering American imports, the Barracudas boast of three former PBA players — Leo Avenido, Kiko Adriano and Don Camaso — and a Filipino coach in Bong Ramos — all of them have at least an idea on how Alas runs his offensive and defensive patters.

Alas also expects Ramos to let his imports — 7-footer Lonnis Jones and 6-foot-9 Michael Pilgrim — exploit their height advantage over Patriots’ 6-foot-10 Jason Dixon and 6-foot-5 Brandon Powell.

“That’s why we really need Baclao and Elmer to step up. They have a good sense of timing, so they can help Jason man the shaded lane,” said Alas.

Also crucial for the Patriots, according to Alas, is their outside shooting.

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