Some entities are changing for the better while some changes could be for the worse. The local basketball landscape is constantly reshaping and we are but mere spectators who beguilingly scrutinize how they will all adapt.

Take the Air 21 Express for example. They’re setting a course for the Fiesta Conference promise land and with their spanking new beefed up roster; they’re hoping they could beat everyone to the top spot. “Get ready for the return of the ube republic”, said team owner Bert Lina in a statement that sounded more like a threat - as if he’s warning the general public that they’ll be the ones to reckon with. The big bad boys on the block.

They released JR Quinahan, Aaron Aban and Mark Yee for Yancy De Ocampo and Ren Ren Ritualo. But the moment the deal was consummated they sent De Ocampo and a 2010 2nd round draft pick to Ginebra for former Ateneans Rich Alvarez and the returning Doug Kramer. In the same day, they got to trade Alex Cabagnot for Mike Cortez; a deal that has everyone debating on who’s got the upper hand. Who would you keep?

When I texted Coach Yeng Guiao who was out of the country at that time about his thoughts he said he was surprised with the trades and that he didn’t know much about it. Actually, a lot of coaches I hound to get trade insights have the same kind of response. They usually find out after the fact or they’re left with no choice. Maybe it’s just me, but that’s odd. Let’s see if he’s satisfied with the modifications.

Even though they’re reinforced by a formidable athlete in Leroy Hickerson who by the way got injured according to Mr. Alvarez, I have a feeling Air21 isn’t done yet. They still have 4 first round draft picks this year and Mr. Alvarez did say Coach Yeng only needs 2. That gives them more bargaining power, and they’re eager to use it.

Another fact that might get amended is the suspension of Wynnie Arboleda. Air 21 has asked the board to reconsider the season-long punishment and it was decided that it’s a matter that should be tackled by the Commissioner’s office. Mr. Alvarez is taking the necessary steps to get their team captain back and has filed the request for reconsideration. Will Commissioner change the original edict?

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Here’s one change that might also happen. The Express might just pursue another former Air 21 player who has been vocal about wanting to get traded from his current team. Talented as he may be, he’s only 2nd or 3rd for his position there and is not maximized. It’s not his fault nor is it the coach’s fault. The other 2 ahead of him are just playing extraordinarily. If he moves, he’s reunited with a mentor who’s been instrumental in shaping his career.

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The San Miguel Beermen management expressed that although Cabagnot and Cortez have similar assets, they feel that Cabagnot could be a better defender. And to help Cabagnot adapt to his new environment, they could be getting a former backcourt tandem of his in a trade which should be carried out in a few days. I spoke to team manager Hector Calma and for now, the only changes they can make are with their guard rotation. Will they find the right substitute? He pointed out that some of their players are getting old and some are injured so they need to make a lot of changes.

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Barako Bull is also one team that’s made major leaps to recover from a last place finish. They have Mikee Romero as a sponsor who’s injecting not just financial aid, but players from its ABL Philippine Patriots champion team like Rob Wainwright and Jerwin Gaco. This is the biggest coaching shift SO FAR this season with Junel Baculi taking the head coaching position and Louie Alas as his alter ego. Leo Isaac now becomes a team consultant, just like most coaches who are given a graceful exit.

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In the PBL, the news of Commissioner Chino Trinidad leaving has rocked the league and caught most by surprise. Currently covering the Pacquiao event in the US for GMA7, he made his decision known public but has not yet expressed it directly to the league’s stakeholders. He says he’ll make it official after the March 14 fight. It’s tough to give opinions on such an intricate issue but whoever will replace him will have a gargantuan task of keeping the league buoyant. Something Chino has managed to do despite the cards dealt to him. Sorry to say but the critics should think twice before they condemn. I’m not out to defend Chino because he’d be the first to say that he does not need it and he can hold his own, but he’s done a noble job on keeping the PBL alive. Hats off to him. Let’s see if he’ll stay or if the next one can be as dignified.

Source: Patricia Hizon, patriciahizon.blogspot.com

Sino kaya ang former backcourt tandem ni Cabagnot which interest SMB. Naku trade na naman. Sino naman kaya mawawala sa guards natin.

Here’s one change that might also happen. The Express might just pursue another former Air 21 player who has been vocal about wanting to get traded from his current team. Talented as he may be, he’s only 2nd or 3rd for his position there and is not maximized. It’s not his fault nor is it the coach’s fault. The other 2 ahead of him are just playing extraordinarily. If he moves, he’s reunited with a mentor who’s been instrumental in shaping his career.

???? c cyrus kaya yan?

pbaddict wrote:

Here’s one change that might also happen. The Express might just pursue another former Air 21 player who has been vocal about wanting to get traded from his current team. Talented as he may be, he’s only 2nd or 3rd for his position there and is not maximized. It’s not his fault nor is it the coach’s fault. The other 2 ahead of him are just playing extraordinarily. If he moves, he’s reunited with a mentor who’s been instrumental in shaping his career.

Can't help but speculate...again.

2 former Air21/BK players having similar plight with their respective teams comes to mind, Cyrus Baguio and KG Canaleta. Best guess would be the former due to the latter's recent championship run with his team.

I think Patricia is referring to Ronjay Buenafe.. Then the other one is Cyrus reuniting with Yeng.

So the trade scenario might be like this:

SMB = Ronjay
BGK = Jonas or Denok (most likely Jonas)
Air21 = Cyrus

Sounds fair for me. I think it's beneficial for these 3 teams. ^^

Wow! Cyrus Baguio to Air21? I like that!! Ano kaya ang nakain ng Air21?? Dati rati sila ang nagtetrade ng mga star players at ayaw nilang kumuha ng players who are receiving max salary, eh ngayon sila na ang kumukuha like Ritualo, Cortez at pag natuloy yan .. Baguio!!

hey if there will be a 3 way team trade:

1st point. at least for me prang d balance for BGK if all they get for cyrus is only jonas.

2nd. i would rather BGK get Bon-bon from SMB(bec. he's an exciting young player who hopefully they can turn to a PG. he's like a young starting helterbrand) then another player preferably a bigman from AIR21.

just my opinion..