The Air21 Express (formerly the Shopinas.com Clickers) felt they have taken care of their immediate need while the Meralco Bolts believed they have secured their future in a trade deal they sealed recently.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud approved the transaction sending Nelbert Omolon and Mark Isip to Air21 in exchange for Dennis Daa, Mark Canlas plus a future pick.

“We lost two players who are part of our rotation but the transaction enabled us to secure our
future by getting a first round pick in next year’s draft,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

The Meralco mentor is also happy with their reacquisition of Daa and the addition of Canlas.

“Dennis Daa is a big man who has range from the perimeter. He is a good post defender who is
strong and tough enough to mix it up inside. Mark Canlas is a three man with the height and length. He also has a decent jumper for a big man,” Gregorio said.

Air21 coach Franz Pumaren, meanwhile, believes they will improve their scoring sock with Omolon and Isip.

Isip averaged 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in the just concluded Philippine Cup.

Omolon’s numbers dipped due to limited exposure playing behind Macmac Cardona. He’s expected to
regain his old ways with the Express, though.

“We’re hopeful we’ll improve with Isip and Omolon giving their shares,” said Pumaren.

The Express finished dead last without a single win in their maiden PBA tourney.

The Bolts wound up sixth in the elimination round of the same tourney. They failed to make it past the quarterfinals, swept by the Petron Blaze, 2-0, in their best-of-three showdown. (SB)

Source: PBA.ph