Air21 ships Yancy to Ginebra for Alvarez, Kramer

March 09, 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