MANILA—Smart Gilas Pilipinas is just a few victoriess away from achieving its immediate goal in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

After downing heavyweights Talk N Text and Alaska, the national team aims to take another step closer to the playoffs when it sizes up the newly acquired veterans of the Air21 Express today at the Cuneta Astrodome.

“Our goal is to be in the playoffs and we have now made two big steps,” said Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman.

The Nationals (2-0) are three victories away from qualifying to the next round.

The Express, who received championship-tested Danny Seigle, Dorian Peña, Dondon Hontiveros and Paul Artadi in a trade with San Miguel Beer, recently lost to the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters using their new lineup.

“The trade may be for the future but I think Air21 is very strong,” said Toroman.

To check a two-game skid, Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio said the Express (1-2) have replaced Jeremy Robinson with Alpha Bangura, drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2004 out of St. John’s University in US NCAA Division I.

Bangura averaged 18.9 points over 26 games for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA D-League in 2009.

The Beermen are also set to unveil a new import when they tackle the Alaska Aces in the other game. David Young, who was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics in 2004, will replace Ira Brown.

Meanwhile, the PBA Board of Governors will tackle the proposed sale of the Barako Bull franchise to Phoenix Petroleum Philippines on March 15.

Barako Bull will need a two-thirds vote from the board for the ballclub to sell its league rights to Phoenix, the PBA’s main sponsor on its out-of-town games.

June Navarro, Phil. Daily Inquirer