Air21 Express: On the right track

Bet money that RJ's
taking over for Ren-Ren

With yesterday's 103-87 smashing at the hands of the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, the Air21 Express have dutifully been eliminated from contention in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. Still, the young franchise was able to salvage a respectable 3-6 win-loss slate, a vast improvement over their abysmal and forgetful Philippine Cup debut.

Granted, much of the improvements should be credited to 6"11 import Marcus Douthit and new recruits Bitoy Omolon and Mark Isip. All three brought that rare championship air that only the coaching staff led by Franz Pumaren and aging veteran ren-Ren Ritualo could really relate to. Their starters from the Philippine Cup: RJ Jazul, James Sena, Paolo Hubalde and Magi Sison are all amateur upstarts at best while champion San Beda alumni Pong Escobal and Ogie Menor were simply fortunate enough to have played alongside a powerhouse collegiate import in Sam Ekwe (wonder where he is now).