NATURALIZED player Marcus Douthit agreed in principle to play for Air21 in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup, which starts on February 10.
The Express, which carried the colors of Shopinas.com in the recent tournament, is the only team that has yet to acquire a foreign reinforcement.
But head coach Franz Pumaren isn’t worried as he was given an assurance by the management that the Smart Gilas center will join them for the mid-season conference.
“In principle, okay na as what our team manager [Jovie Saddul] told me. May inaayos na lang minor details,” Pumaren told the BusinessMirror on Tuesday.
PBA Commissioner Chito Salud said Douthit could not play for any team except for Air21.
Right now, Douthit is playing for the Foshan Dralions, which is currently struggling in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
“The earliest Marcus will be here will be February 16, pero wala pa naman kaming games sa first week ng tournament,” said Pumaren.
The Express play their first game on February 19 against sister team Barako Bull at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Pumaren is glad to have the six-foot-10 Douthit, who has proven himself with the national team.
“We’ll be fine with Marcus but right, it’s really a long process. We still need one more point guard and a real big man to help us,” he said.
The Express finished the Philippine Cup without a win in 14 games, the longest losing streak in league history.
In a recent trade, Air21 acquired Nelbert Omolon and Mark Isip for Meralco’s Dennis Daa and Mark Canlas. The Express also returned the 2012 first round pick to the Bolts.
Source: Joel Orellana, BusinessMirror
