Update 2) MANILA---PBA commissioner Chito Salud finally gave his thumbs up on a deal that infused San Miguel Beer with fresh blood.

The Beermen will get the top three picks in this season's rookie draft, Nonoy Baclao, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra, from the Express in exchange for former Rookie of the Year Danny Seigle, veteran gunner Dondon Hontiveros, big man Dorian Pena and cat-quick playmaker Paul Artadi.

"I find this revised trade to be accepted because each team is giving up assets of equal value in order to compensate whatever each team envisions as significant additions to their respective ball clubs," said Salud after the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader, where the Express lost in a rout, 92-121, to Derby Ace.

"In my judgment, this is not a one sided deal. I believe this is a fair trade between the two teams," Salud added.

The deal was an upgrade from the initial proposal Salud shot down on Monday, which featured Seigle, big man Mick Pennisi and slasher Joseph Yeo in exchange for the top three rookie picks.

“Air 21 is happy with the new proposal,” said Express team manager Allan Gregorio.

“While SMB needs to infuse fresh blood, Air21 needs to balance our line up with worthy veterans. It’s a win win (situation),” added Gregorio, who earlier denied knowledge of the said trade.

From the oldest team at the start of the season, the Beermen automatically became the third youngest in average while the Express jumped to the third oldest team from being the youngest after the seven-player trade.

The Beermen have been looking for fresh talent to boost its already loaded lineup after falling short for two straight stints in the finals.

"It's...with a heavy heart [that we] part with Seigle, Dorian, Dondon and Artadi, who have contributed immensely to our [success]. But this sacrifice will not only benefit San Miguel and Air21 but also their respective careers," said San Miguel head coach Ato Agustin.

The rookies’ debut

In San Miguel’s stunning 90-89 victory over Meralco Friday night, the three rookies suited up for the first time, but it wasn’t that remarkable of a debut for Baclao, Al-Hussaini and Guevarra.

Among the young troika, Al-Hussaini was the only one able to really strut his stuff on the hardwood while Baclao played minimal minutes even as Guevarra literally didn’t break a sweat.

Al-Hussaini finished with 10 points and nine rebounds in 32 minutes of action as a starter.

“Rabeh is tall and we needed someone to match up with Asi (Taulava),” said Agustin of his decision to play the second overall pick heavy minutes.

Agustin said that he plans on using Baclao and Al Hussaini, who both play the four and five spot, sparingly and always with veteran backups.

“As of now, I’m not going to play them together,” said Agustin.

And like any other team with new pieces that have yet to fit into the system, San Miguel looked puzzled at times, as turnovers—mostly from erratic passes—piled up and needed its import to bail them out in the end game.

The team has only started practicing its new plays and defensive schemes last Thursday, a day after the trade was announced, and with a new import on the way—things are not going to go smoothly for a while.

“The team is still struggling when it comes to gelling,” Agustin admits.

'Big risk'

Even Agustin admits that it was a big risk for San Miguel for bringing in young guns at the expense of its long time veterans.

He even went on to say that the caliber players they gave away will be nothing but a benefit for the Express.

“Tingin ko nga lumakas ang Air21 eh. It was a big risk, but maybe San Miguel is eyeing for the future and this was the best time because we acquired the 1-2-3 picks,” said Agustin.

Even back-to-back best player of the conference Jay Washington believes that it is a good investment for the Beermen.

“We need to have young guys that are ready to put it all on the line and have a lot to prove to themselves and to the team,” said Washington.

“I think that’s what we are needing (sic) these days, especially with our team getting older.”

Celest Flores & Mark Vincent Giongco, Phil. Daily Inquirer