Triumphant Patriots keep Dixon, Freeman

Source: (The Philippine Star)

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Given another chance to play for the Philippine Patriots, Jason Dixon will not hesitate to do so.

“Well, if given another chance, so 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 return for 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 a game,” 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 in the first ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Sunday at the BritAma Arena here.

Co-team owner Mikee Romero and coach Louie Alas also relish the idea of getting back the dynamic duo when the second conference of the league 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 joined the team’s celebration along with wife and daughter.

“But before thinking about the next tournament, let’s enjoy this championship first. This is a sweet first for us,” added Romero who co-owns the team with Tonyboy Cojuangco. “This is great for Philippine basketball.”

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,” said the president and CEO of Harbour Centre.

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

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