MANILA, Philippines – Dorian Alan Pena, has been living up to his moniker as the "Junkyard Dawg" and his new team is benefitting from it. After spending most of his PBA playing years with the San Miguel Beermen, Pena has been giving the needed muscle for the Express.

Dorian is the last player that I will be focusing on after separate articles on Danny Seigle, Dondon Hontiveros and Paul Artadi. Dorian was part of that blockbuster PBA trade between Air21 and San Miguel Beer.

Dorian may not be known to be a potent scoring threat but you can bet that he gets the dirty jobs done. This includes his tough defense, hustle plays and of course his power rebounding. He has held the record for most rebounds hauled in 2002 and 2006-2007, mostly on offensive caroms.

Dorian started out his basketball career with the Pasig-Rizal Pirates (Negros Slashers as corrected thanks to jd2k11. I was trying to figure that out but only had Wikipedia to refer to) during the days of the now defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA). When the league folded, he was quietly recruited by San Miguel but had to initially sit out some games due to a shin injury.

Dorian is deceivingly a great guy to be with. He transforms into a mean scavenger once game-time comes, carrying the burden on the defensive end to set up plays and his teammates on the scoring end.

Pena has helped the SMB franchise win several PBA crowns. He is most often seen making a living on the hardwood, diving for loose balls despite his large frame.

As of late, Dorian has consistently started for the Air21 Express and has since added the much needed muscle that was sorely lacking from the Bert Lina franchise.

Together with Danny S, Dondon Hontiveros and Paul Artadi, they made their first start as a unit when they faced the Powerade Tigers yesterday where they have to win their last two remaining games to make it to the quarterfinals. The Express won handily, 108-98.

On Wednesday Dorian Pena and company will try to nail that berth but the game will certainly not be easy. Facing a powerful and unpredictable Alaska Aces squad, the four former SMB stalwarts will have to play their hearts out together with ample support from the likes of Josh Urbiztondo and Jay-R Reyes.

A loss would mean vacation time as well for them, allowing the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados to nab that last seat.

Pena has certainly become one of the key pillars for the Air21 team and hopefully it will stick. At 33, (Dorian turns 34 on October 12) he is also reaching the twilight of his career.

But until the time comes when the Junkyard Dawg is grounded, expect him to continue diving for those loose balls and slugging it out with the big boys currently playing in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Brian Yalung, Manila Bulletin