14 October 2019
By Kevin Estrada
PASAY — Despite entering their fourth season of the ASEAN Basketball League in a rebuilding mode, reclaiming the title remains the top priority of Alab Pilipinas.
During the launch of the tenth edition last Thursday at the Conrad Hotel Manila, the former ABL champion stressed their fighting mentality even after losing Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. to the PBA, as they still have the tools to contend for the title which they first won in 2018.
“We still try to fill the missing pieces, but we’ll make sure that we’re still competitive,” said top man Charlie Dy. “We’re still hoping to get another championship for Alab Pilipinas.”
Their title defense last season saw them getting their best regular season record, bagging the second seed but got swept by Hong Kong Eastern at the first playoff hurdle.
Head coach Jimmy Alapag could not hide the excitement for the new season, as it was said to be the most balanced yet.
“Excited for another season,” said the Mighty Mouse who is now on his third year with the Virtual Playground-owned outfit. “The competition continues to get better.”
As they are moving forward to life without the franchise’s all time leader and three-time ABL Local MVP, Alab Pilipinas made a huge splash in the offseason by swooping in for former ABL Champion point-guard Jason Brickman and versatile wingman Jeremiah Gray.
With the leadership of Parks sorely missed, Alab is glad that Lawrence Domingo is giving it another go after a knee injury prematurely ended his campaign last season.
“I’m really excited to get back to work. I had this itch since I got hurt,” the undersized scrappy big man quipped.
Alab Pilipinas will have open their season away in November before their home opener after the SEA Games.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @kevinlestrada
