Air21 ships Yancy to Ginebra for Alvarez, Kramer

09 March 2010

Air21, a team always busy on shipping one player to another, will have a reunion of Ateneo and La Salle players on its team for the coming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference.

The Express got half of the job done when they dealt recently-acquired 6’9 center Yancy de Ocampo and their second-round draft pick in next season’s Rookie Draftto the Ginebra Gin Kings in exchange for 2004-05 Rookie of the Year Rich Alvarez and bruising forward Doug Kramer.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, in a text message to GMANews.TV, confirmed the news.

“It’s for finalization, but I don’t know if it’s already been approved," said Uichico.

Air21 team manager and PBA chairman Lito Alvarez said it’s already agreed in principle and welcomed this new development for his team.

Alvarez said it was coach Yeng Guiao who convinced him to get Alvarez as he is more “familiar in utilizing the player’s potential."

“Coach Yeng said he wants Rich’s work ethic," said the Air21PBA board representative in a telephone interview. “Coach Yeng thinks Rich wasn’t given enough playing time with his former teams."

Alvarez played for Guiao when the fiery mentor was still coaching Barako Bull (formerly Red Bull Barakos).

Trades between the 10 participating teams are expected to intensify before the start of the import-laced Fiesta Conference on March 21.

Cabagnot-Cortez trade in the works
While Ateneans Alvarez, Gonzales and Kramer had found themselves altogether again, two former members of the La Salle Green Archers’ champion squad are anticipating the possible acquisition of their ex-teammate – Mike Cortez.

Cortez, who won championships with La Salle, will most likely join Ren-Ren Ritualo and Carlo Sharma with the Express.

A trade between Cortez and talented lefty point guard Alex Cabagnot is being worked out now by Air21 and San Miguel.

Cabagnot was traded by Coca-Cola to the Express along with Gonzales for Gary David and Chico Lanete. If plans push through, Cabagnot will be dealt to his fourth team in the last five years and might join a Beermen squad loaded with guards. – GMANews.TV

SMB, Ginebra mull trades

07 March 2010

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra are working out possible trade deals with other ball clubs in search of a solution to problems stemming from injuries.

The Beermen hope to plug holes in their wing spots while the Kings are after players who could fill the void in their center and guard positions.

Both teams fell short in their bids to make the all-Filipino finals. Lordy Tugade and Danny Seigle are two key San Miguel players downed by injuries, while Eric Menk, Celino Cruz and Jayjay Helterbrand are among Ginebra mainstays with recurring injuries during the tourney.

A reliable source said San Miguel and Ginebra are likely to close their separate trade deals before the start of the import-laden Fiesta Conference on March 21.

SMC officials are keen on beefing up the San Miguel and Ginebra rosters, hoping for a follow-up to the strong showing of all their three ball clubs in the recent Philippine Cup.

The sister teams all made the semifinals, with the Purefoods Giants sweeping the Alaska Milk Aces in four games in the finale and the Beermen topping the Kings in their one-game playoff for third place.

All three teams have no intention of slowing it down in the second conference.

The Beermen seek back-to-back all-Filipino championships with import Gabe Freeman back in tow while the Giants go for a season sweep with Reggie Larry as reinforcement.

The Kings, runners-up behind the Beermen in the 2009 Fiesta Conference, field in Awvee Storey as their import.

Air21 is another team reportedly working out a trade.

The Express have earlier consummated a deal with the Talk n Text Tropang Texters, getting Renren Ritualo and Yancy de Ocampo for JR Quinahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban.

At Barako Bull, a tryout is ongoing with a number of Philippine Patriots joining the Energy Boosters in the camp.

The Fiesta Conference fires off March 21 with Barako Bull tangling with Sta. Lucia Realty and Barangay Ginebra going up against Talk n Text.

The second play date on March 24 pits Barako Bull versus Coca-Cola then San Miguel against Air21.

The start of the Fiesta Conference also marks the resumption of fan balloting for the 2010 All-Star Game set April 25 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The PBA and the Puerto Princesa city government closed their agreement after PBA officials Rickie Santos and Willy Marcial visited the host city Thursday.

It will be a five-day extravaganza with the PBA stars holding several outreach programs, including beach-cleaning, road-painting and basketball clinic, leading to the All-Star Sunday.

Source: Nelson Beltran, The Philippine Star