Game on Saturday (Britama Arena)
5 p.m. — Satria Muda Britama vs RP Patriots

JAKARTA, Indonesia — The much-awaited ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Invitational Championship unwraps this Saturday with the Philippine Patriots out to deliver a strong message when they face Indonesia’s Satria Muda Britama at the Britama Arena here.

Installed as the team to beat owing to the country’s long standing status in the region, the Patriots collide with the Indons at 5 p.m. in a game many billed as a preview of the championship.

The Patriots are hoping to follow the footsteps of the past RP teams which transformed most ASEAN competitions into a veritable playground.

But despite being rated high by the five other participating teams in the newly-launched league that aims to produce ASEAN heroes, coach Louie Alas is not taking Indonesia for granted since they are still in the getting-to-know stage at the moment.

Alas said there’s no question about the courage and talent of his boys but said they are working double time on one important aspect of the game – finding the right chemistry.

“Right now, we’re still trying to find the right formula for the team but I’m confident the boys will make the necessary adjustments during the game,” said Alas. “They have to deliver and learn to play under pressure.”

Former PBA star Rob Wainwright and UAAP hotshot Khazim Mirza will spearhead the campaign of the Patriots along with Americans imports – Jason Dixon, the 6-foot-10 former PBA import, and ex-NCAA star Brandon Powell.

Other members of the team are former La Salle enforcer Jerrwin Gaco, Froilan Baguion, Christian Coronel, Neil Raneses, Mark Andaya, Ricky Ricafuente, Erwin Sta. Maria, Nat Cruz, Dino Daa, Hafer Mondragon, and Warren Ybanes.