Former NCAA star, ex-PBA import beef up RP Patriots in ABL

A member of the 2006 US NCAA champion team and a veteran PBA import will reinforce the Philippine Patriots when they open their campaign against Indonesia in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Invitational tournament on Saturday in Jakarta, Indonesia. Brandon Powell, who along with Chicago Bull’s Joakim Noah and Utah Jazz’s Corey Brewer helped the Florida Gators win the 2006-07 NCAA championship, is likely to be the Patriots’ main man with his athleticism and deadly shooting from afar. Backstopping him is Jason Dixon, who played for the Coca-Cola Tigers in the PBA last year.

The 6-foot-5 Powell, according to coach Louie Alas, is not only a tough defender but also a reliable scorer with his decent outside shooting. “He’s more of a hustle player who plays with a lot of passion and heart. He will be a big help to our team," said Alas. The 6-foot-10 Dixon’s familiarity with the Filipinos’ brand of play will come in handy for the Patriots team co-owned by Harbour Centre CEO Dr. Mikee Romero and businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco. “He used to play with PBA players, so it’s easy for him to adjust with the system of coach Louie," said Romero. “But I still believe that our locals will make the difference in our campaign in the ABL." Romero is referring to UAAP hotshot Khasim Mirza, Rob Wainwright, Froilan Baguion, Ricky Ricafuente, Erwin Sta. Maria, Nat Cruz, Dino Daa, former La Salle star Jerwin Gaco, Mark Andaya, Hafer Mondragon, Neil Raneses and Christian Coronel. Though he’s already 35 years old, Dixon still oozes with confidence and authority in the shaded lane. “He’s not selfish, he shares his knowledge to his teammates and he’s easy to deal with," said team manager Erick Arejola. “But on the court, he’s a lion, a lion king." Dixon is a proven go-to guy at the post even during his PBA stint. “We need his strong inside game because we heard that other teams like Singapore and Indonesia have strong imports too," said Romero. “We have to dominate the boards if we want to dominate the tournament." Dixon played most of his professional career abroad, spending the last couple of years in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Guandong Southern Tigers where he played alongside New Jersey Nets’ star Yi Jian Lian and Smuch Parker. Dixon, who also played in Turkey, Cyprus and in Europe, averaged 15.6 points and 9.9 rebounds in his last stint in the CBA. He also saw action in the USBL where he played for New Jersey Shorecats and Portland Wave. - GMANews.TV