Dixon, Freeman willing to play for RP Patriots again

Imports Jason Dixon and Gabe Freeman are both open to going on a second tour of duty with the Philippine Patriots, whom they steered to the first-ever ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) crown.

“Well, if given another chance, why not," said Dixon. “I like this team, it has the will to win. That’s the attitude I want for a team."

If he’s free, Gabe Freeman is also willing to have a return stint with the Patriots.

“This is a great team, the management is good, I like them. I like to play for a winning team since I hate to lose," said Freeman.

Dixon and Freeman played key roles in the Patriots’ 75-67 win that enabled them to sweep their best-of-five title series with Indonesia’s Satria Muda BritAma Sunday at the BritAma Arena in Jakarta.

Team co-owner Mikee Romero and coach Louie Alas also relish the idea of getting the dynamic duo back when the ABL’s second conference opens shop in October.

“They’re perfect combination, Jason is a very good inside operator while Gabe is a versatile player. If they want to play for us again, then it’s OK for us," said Romero, who co-owns the team with Tonyboy Cojuangco.

“But before thinking about the next tournament, let’s enjoy this championship first. This is a sweet first for us. This is great for Philippine basketball," he added.

Saving his best for last, the 6-foot-10 Dixon exploded for 28 points aside from grabbing 12 boards.

“Well, it’s time to win and it’s time to go home," said Dixon.

Freeman had one of his poor shooting nights but still finished with 17 points and 19 rebounds. He also made life miserable for the usually hot-scoring Alex Hartman of Satria Muda.

With their championship, Romero believes the five other teams in the league, including Indonesia, will intensify their build-up for the next conference.

“That’s for sure, they’re going to form a much competitive team in order to stop us. But we know the formula already, so we will just prepare early," he said.

Team manager Erick Arejola also disclosed that they already have in mind players the Patriots will take in the event collegiate stars Nonoy Baclao, Elmer Espiritu, Khazin Mirza and Val Acuna turn pro this year.

“The four might turn pro, so we need new faces for the team. But we’ll only get players who are willing to sacrifice for the country," said Arejola.

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV