Ateneo, UE rivals join forces for RP Patriots in ABL

Defensive specialists Nonoy Baclao of back-to-back UAAP champion Ateneo and Elmer Espiritu of runner-up University of the East will join forces for the Philippine Patriots, along with Val Acuña, in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL). Fresh from their competitive dispute for the UAAP crown, Blue Eagle Baclao and Red Warriors Espiritu and Acuña will shed off their college colors to beef up the Patriots, who are currently with a 1-1 win-loss slate in the fledging home-and-away regional league.

“Definitely, these players will make a huge impact to the team and to the league. They are exciting players with different talents," Patriots coach Louie Alas said after the trio signed up with the team and attended their first practice. Baclao and Espiritu will provide dexterity on the defensive end while Acuña will add firepower to the team that’s set to play the Thailand Tigers at the Ynares Sports Arena this weekend. “Baclao and Espiritu are tough defensive players, they can really help the team defensively," said Alas. The three UAAP stars will team up with imports Jason Dixon and Brandon Powell, former pros Rob Wainwright, Froilan Baguion and Christian Coronel, and two other ex-collegiate stars, Khasim Mirza of UST and Jerwin Gaco of La Salle, in helping the Patriots win their quest for glory. Alas himself will make his debut at the Patriots' bench against the visiting Tigers after missing the team’s first two games due to his commitment with Letran in the NCAA Final Four. – GMANews.TV