AFTER a forgettable coaching debut for Air21 last season, Franz Pumaren is determined to put the Express’ woeful performance last season behind them by shoring up their roster with bigger players.

“It’s pretty obvious that last season, we really had a difficult time matching up with bigger teams. We were forced to rotate on defense a lot of times, and that was tough for us,” said Pumaren, whose team went 5-27 overall last season.

Air21, known as Shopinas.com during the Philippine Cup, failed to notch a single win in 14 games in Pumaren’s first conference as head coach.

But with a multi-player deal that would eventually give them Rob Reyes and Nonoy Baclao from Petron Blaze set to be finalized, Pumaren has high hopes that they could somehow be a bit more competitive in the frontline.

“Somehow, we have secured two big guys in Rob and Nonoy. Though we still need to fill the gaps in our wing and guard line,” said Pumaren.

Air21 tapped 6-foot-8 former Mapua big boy Yousif Taha for its first pick in the draft at 11th overall, but Pumaren said the slotman is more like a project player for the team. The Express then added former La Salle guard Simon Atkins in the third round.

Source: Richard Dy, SPIN.ph

Dumami yung malaki nang Air21: NoyB, RobR, Sena, Taha, Sison, Isip

Rob and Noy would be a great addition to coach Franz..happy to know that finally,PBA fans will have the chance to witness the true worth of these 2 rather than just calling them as bench warmers and PSB boys..

nice trade

These guys (Rob and Nonoy) will give them ceiling and a lot of defensive versatility. The Taha pick i think will work out. Picking Atkins over the likes of Dehesa, Cañada, Colina, Buensuceso and even Elliot Tan is beyond me.

Teka sino ba ung mga kapalit? Alam na kung sino pupunta sa air21

ito po yung nareport nung isang araw..

Apart from next year’s pick, the Express will also give up its second round pick in 2015. The team will also give up Elmer Espiritu, Paolo Hubalde, Ogie Menor, Magi Sison, and Eric Salamat in the deal.

slynxpac wrote:ito po yung nareport nung isang araw..

Apart from next year’s pick, the Express will also give up its second round pick in 2015. The team will also give up Elmer Espiritu, Paolo Hubalde, Ogie Menor, Magi Sison, and Eric Salamat in the deal.

di dumami ang psp boys ng petron nyan haha

kingkong wrote:Teka sino ba ung mga kapalit? Alam na kung sino pupunta sa air21

if im not mistaken,2013 first round pick at 2015 second round pick ang kapalit nina Rob at Noy..