“We’re evaluating the whole team, and that includes the entire coaching staff,” said Romero, who co-owns the Patriots with businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco.

The Patriots, inaugural champions of the meet, were swept by the Chang Thai Slammers in the last best-of-three Finals, including a 75-68 setback in the deciding Game 2 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, a match that saw the host lost grip of a 14-point second half lead.

“There’s no more place for mediocrity in the ABL now,” Romero added. “We’ll evaluate the team, and at the same time, evaluate what made the other team champion.”

Asked whether a likely change in the coaching staff will be made, the Patriots team owner remained elusive.

“We’ll still evaluate it, but it’s very possible,” he added during the formal launching of AirAsia-ABL internship program yesterday at the Gerry’s Grill Restaurant in Ali Mall.

Romero said he hopes to see more young, college players suiting up for the Patriots in its next season set January 2012. He is likewise not adamant in hiring the best imports the team can get especially now that the ABL salary cap limit for foreign players was allowed to increase.

In parting, the one-time amateur basketball godfather of the country vowed to regain for the Filipinos the ABL championship.

“Next season, we’ll bring the championship back to the country,” he said. “We just actually lent the title to Thailand to make the ABL more exciting.”

Gerry Ramos, Journal Online