Air21 adds height, firepower after three-team trade

LOOKING TO bounce back from a forgettable PBA season last year, the Air21 Express acquired three new players in a three-team deal involving sister teams Petron Blaze Boosters and Barangay Ginebra Kings.

Air21 got big men Noy Baclao and Rob Reyes from Petron Blaze and guards KG Canaleta and John Wilson from Barangay Ginebra.

In return, it gave away center Magi Sison, point guard Paolo Hubalde and its 2014 second-round pick to Petron.

In exchange for Canaleta and Wilson, Air21 shipped Elmer Espiritu and its 2013 first round draft pick to Ginebra.

The deal has been approved by PBA Commissioner Chito Salud.

“It will surely help us,” said Air21 coach Franz Pumaren.

With a lineup composed of unheralded rookie and fading journeymen, Air21 struggled mightily in the league’s 37th season, where it lost its first 14 games before ending the season with just five wins and 27 losses.

“Last year we had a hard time defending big teams,” said Pumaren. “KG will give us additional scoring.” Air21 will also get the needed perimeter scoring from Wilson.

Although they didn’t get marquee players in the deal, Petron and Ginebra are also expected to benefit from the transaction.

By releasing Baclao and Reyes, Petron can provide the needed playing minutes to Cebuano center June Mar Fajardo, the number one overall pick in the recent rookie draft.

Fajardo’s arrival gave Petron depth in the center position, which also features Dorian Pena and the newly acquired Sison. /EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA