The Air21 Rebuilding Project

Forget Baclao. If Air21 lands Wilson,
they'll get Gary David 2.0-- with more defense.

Following last season's embarrassing performance, which is expected of such a young team, the Air21 Express set their sights on rebuilding the roster in order to make a dent in the PBA. Laughable as that may seem, since Management's best interest has always been on making profit off trades, let's give the Franz Pumaren-coached squad the benefit of the doubt.

Now this is all according to newsreports (and some rumors) since the trade hasn't received the nod of PBA Commissioner Chito Salud so everything is still up in the air. What we do know at the moment is that the team isn't high on Elmer Espiritu, Paolo Hubalde, Magi Sison, Eric Salamat and nuisance Ogie Menor. Chances are, these guys will be sent elsewhere or have their contracts left to expire.


Reportedly coming in are Petron's former Number 1 draft pick Nonoy Baclao and Rob Reyes, Ginebra's sweet-shooting KG Canaleta, Barako Bull's under-rated yet serviceable inside scorer Leo Najorda and-- last we heard, former NCAA MVP John Wilson as well.  Throw in rookies Yousef Taha (6"7, forward/center) and Simon Atkins (5"11 guard) and maybe they can form a more competitive line-up next season.

Here's a potential roster for the Express given the names that they already have and the ones who are set to come in.

PG Wyne Arboleda/ Pong Escobal/ Simon Atkins
SG John Wilson/ Ren Ren Ritualo
SF Nelbert Omolon/ Khasim Mirza
PF Noy Baclao/ Mark Isip/ Leo Najorda/ KG Canaleta/ Bryan Faundo
C James Sena/ Rob Reyes/ Yousef Taha

The first names are this writer's picks as starters, with big man James Sena edging out rebounder Reyes because of last season's scoring progress and promise. Wilson takes Ritualo's spot as the "main gunner" as he should since Ritualo has never really made an impact in the PBA even during his rookie year. He's a three point specialist yes, but not someone you build your team around on.

In case you're one of those casual fans who only know of Wilson for his Chinito looks and a one time faux cornrows, this guy actually improved his game more than his peers. Back in college with JRU, Wilson was just as revered as Ritualo was (for DLSU) and was pretty much the team's chief gunner. The way that he has found a niche in the PBA-- with Ginebra at that, just goes to show how good this kid is. He could've sat and sulked his way to the bench and out of the team (much like his chief NCAA rival turned teammate Jimbo Aquino did) but Wilson embraced being a defensive hound to the "T." Great pick-up for any team.

Baclao should also get right back in the scheme of things with him being taller than the best guy at his spot (Isip). He could also learn the tricks from Najorda (inside scoring), Canaleta (outside) and best of all, Omolon-- who went from being just another athlete from the province to a defensive stalwart who is money below the rim.

But then again, we are talking about Air21 here. Whatever success they enjoy this year will be ruined by another trade before season's end. Bet on it.