Thursday, February 11, 2010 - With the finals of the ABL looming, we took the opportunity to ask a few of the coaches around the league about their opinions and predictions for the best of five series between the Philippine Patriots and Satria Muda Britama.

 Singapore Slingers Coach Frank Arsego

“Initially after seeing what the two teams did against each other in the regular season, I thought that this would be an easy series for the Patriots. But after that series we just had against Satria Muda, I can see that they are very much improved from earlier in the season.

It looks like they have found a way to maximize the local player’s efficiency and get the best out of them. So I’m not so convinced now that the Patriots will have it all their own way.

Obviously the match-up between the imports will play a big role. I think that (Nakiea) Miller and (Jason) Dixon will cancel each other out so the key will be whether Freeman or Hartman can get the upper edge on each other.

But if the imports nullify each other, then it will come down to the locals and while SM have improved tremendously, the Patriots should still have the edge here.”

PREDICTION – Patriots to win 3-1.

 KL Dragons coach Goh Cheng Huat

“This series has the potential to go a long way. It might even go to game 5. Home court is so advantageous in the ABL so if it all holds true then we will see a game 5 in Philippines.  But definitely the Patriots have the slightest edge.

The Dixon / Miller match-up is quite equal. Freeman is still new to the ABL so it is hard to predict what he will do but he is an excellent player no doubt.

If it comes down to the locals, the Patriots have a deeper bench than SM and should be able to win.”

PREDICTION – Patriots to win 3-1.

 Brunei Barracudas coach Bong Ramos

“I think the Patriots clearly have the edge and it will be crucial to the series that the first two games are played in Manila. Miller can match up with Dixon but I think Freeman has a slight edge on Hartman.

Not that it is a big edge because Hartman can still score so that will be an interesting match-up to watch. If it comes down to the locals then the Patriots still have an advantage here especially that (Christian) Sitepu will be injured for the whole series. He is important to SM in that he is a big body they can throw in to bang around.

But that said, their locals have improved a lot. Sondakh is playing well, Prihantono is improving and they are going with a quicker lineup with three guards.

It will be closer than most people think but at the end, I think the Patriots will still be a bit too strong for SM. “

PREDICTION – Patriots to win 3-1.