Sunday, October 7, 2012

PBA Philippine Cup 2013: Air 21 Express Preview


Obviously, the Air21 Express is in the rebuilding process. The joke around the league is that, the team’s come-backing team executive, Lito Alvarez, is PBA’s version of Vicky Belo, as he made quite a full facelift of the tea.

Air 21roster has some good names. They’ve got the high-flyer and dependable perimeter defender KG Canaleta from a multi-player trade deal which also includes one of PBA’s draft pick bust Noy Baclao, the good post defender Rob Reyes and promising guard John Wilson from Ginebra.

Image: Kilikilishot.com
They acquired two players from the last draft: The “pogiboy” from La Salle, Simon Atkins, and 6’6 center Yousef Taha. 

They also acquired Bonbon Custodio, who obviously couldn’t find a spot in his former team’s congested SG rotation. But he’s not part of the official roster just yet. Don’t ask me why.

Obviously, Air 21 team captain, Renren Ritualo will benefit from these acquisitions, as these guys will ease the scoring load of the squad. And with the scrappy play of tested and proven veteran Nelbert Omolon, the Express are much approved this year. They are no longer an instant W for teams looking to better their standings, and may be a dark horse this season. Baclao, also, can finally have his minutes here, so he better get the most out of it and prove his worth.

The 0-14 campaign will no longer happen this year. But with the fresh faces they have, this team needs to work on their chemistry and learn defending faster and bigger teams such as Ginebra, TnT, Petron, and Alaska. And with that, I still don’t think this team can slip into the playoffs. Maybe next conference when they can play Smart Gilas’ remarkable center Marcus Douthit as an import. But not here in Philippine Cup.


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