ABL 2019-20: Preview Analysis of KL Dragons against Alab Pilipinas

We take a closer look at our midweek opponents, the 2017/2018 champions, San Miguel Alab Pilipinas. 

Alab Pilipinas are currently ranked second in the league with a 9-5 record. 

Joining the league in 2016, Alab Pilipinas are the longest running Filipino team in ASEAN Basketball League history, entering their fourth season this year.

The Filipinos have enjoyed considerable success, qualifying for the playoffs every season and secured the Philippines third ABL championship in 2017/2018 by defeating Mono Vampire 3-2 in an exciting finals series.

Our teams have faced each other 9 times since 2016 and thanks to our 91-63 victory earlier this month, we now have a 5-4 historical record against Alab Pilipinas. 

Ahead of our game this Wednesday, 19th of February, Alab Pilipinas have made an impactful roster change by bringing back 31 year old,  6 ft 7 forward, Justin Brownlee to replace Prince Williams. 

Brownlee was an instrumental part of Alab’s championship winning season, averaging 21.9 PPG, 10.3 RPG and 6.3 APG to lead them to the championship. 

Brownlee is no stranger to Filipino basketball, leading Barangay Ginebra to four PBA championships since 2016 and winning Best Import of the Commissioner’s Cup in 2018. Brownlee is also currently actively applying for citizenship in his quest to represent the Philippines National Team in the future. 

Together with Samuel Deguara (7 ft 5) and Nick King (6 ft 8), Alab Pilipinas boast the tallest import line up and are also currently leading the league in assists with 24.3 per game, led by our former point guard, Jason Brickman who is also the current league leader in assists with 9.1 per game. 

With a game changing signing in Justin Brownlee, Alab will prove a much tougher challenge and will be looking to avenge their heavy loss to us earlier this month. 

Fans can purchase their tickets at kldragons.com/ticket or at the MABA Stadium on game day, subject to availability.

Fans can also catch the game on Astro Arena and ASEAN Basketball League’s social media pages.