After finally getting the nod of PBA Commissioner Atty. Chito Salud, the Beermen have finally landed the coveted top young turks of the Express in Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao and Rey Guevarra.

The trio are being hailed as the new breed that will infuse new blood into the aging ballclub of San Miguel Beer.

Danny Ildefonso, who is likewise in the twilight years, remains the only remnant from the rebuilding years that SMB had made way back in 1999.

Over at the Air21 Express camp, the PBA trade does make them a sudden force to reckon with. With the addition of Danny Seigle, Dondon Hontiveros, Dorian Pena and Paul Artadi, all the bases seem filled right now.

If you look at it, this is a team that can make it the finals when given the opportunity.

Complimenting their entry are holdovers like Wynne Arboleda, Jay-R Reyes, Leo Avenido, Josh Urbiztondo, Carlo Sharma, Wesley Gonzales and Reed Juntilla. For the record, that is no pushover lineup.

Sure, the new faces are indeed in the twilights of their career but for the time being and barring any injuries (career-threatening or not), Air21 has got what it takes to be a championship contender.

Fans may have not liked the trade between the two teams but the fact remains, Air21 has what it takes to win its first PBA title with the new veterans in tow.

These highlights are of course with the understanding that no further trades will be made for now.

The Express may have lost fresh legs and some height but have however inherited added artillery (with the entry of Danny Seigle and Dondon Hontiveros), power/ruggedness (Dorian Pena) and energy/hussle (Paul Artadi).

If you think San Miguel got the better of that PBA trade guess again. The rookies are indeed promising but they will still be a work in progress.

Brian Yalung, Manila Bulletin