Game Saturday (Holy Cross of Davao College Gym, Davao City)
6 p.m. – Air21 vs Talk ’N Text

Games Sunday (Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs Powerade
6:30 p.m. – Ginebra vs B-Meg Derby Ace

MANILA, Philippines — A re-tooled Air21 squad hopes to bounce back from a humiliating defeat the last time when it battles Philippine Cup champion Talk ’N Text Saturday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gym in Davao City.

Air21 and TNT clash in the lone game presented by Phoenix Fuel at 6 p.m. with the Express out to erase their 121-92 defeat to B-Meg Derby Ace last Wednesday.

With the acquisition of veteran sharpshooter Dondon Hontiveros, forward Danny Seigle, center Dorian Pena and lightning-quick playmaker Paul Artadi in a seven-player deal with San Miguel Beer last Wednesday, the Express look formidable.

In exchange, the Express lost their top three rookies in Nonoy Baclao, Rabah Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra.

But against the Tropang Texters, they really have to play their best form.

TNT, for one, is coming off an impressive win over Powerade, 94-80, something that gave Air21 coach Bong Ramos something to ponder about.

Still, Ramos is confident that with the vast experiences of his four new players it will certainly give them a big boost.

But to say that the Express would become a legitimate title contender is one thing that Ramos does not want to accept – at least for now.

“Of course we’re all hopeful that things will turn out good for us. But it happened just a few days ago, all of us – from the players to the coaching staff – will have to make adjustment,” said Ramos, who is in his second stint as coach of the Bert Lina-owned franchise.

“But we’re very optimistic. The players we got from the trade are all capable of helping the team. They have the championship experience, they are winners,” Ramos added.
Air21 and TNT carry similar 1-1 win-loss cards.

On the other hand, Hontiveros said that he spoke with Seigle, Pena and Artadi, and they all agree that this is a good opportunity for them to prove something.

“At first, we’re all shocked,” Hontiveros said. “Pero we all know it’s a business. Kahit sino pwede ma-trade. I think this is a challenge for us. Hopefully we can contribute to our new team. If we start winning games, magiging masaya naman ang team.”

“We’re all grateful to play for SMB. The players and coaches there, they’re not just teammates and coaches. They’re close friends, they’re like family. But we have to move forward,” Hontiveros added.

By WAYLON GALVEZ
March 4, 2011