Cardona, Baclao reunite with former coaches as PBA approves 3-team deal

MANILA, Philippines – Looking for another legitimate offensive threat, Air21 landed Mac Cardona in a trade approved by PBA Commissioner Chito Salud Monday afternoon.

The Express acquired Mac Cardona from the Meralco Bolts for forward Nelbert Omolon and Rabeh Al-Hussaini, whom the Express picked up from the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in exchange for Rob Reyes and the rights to their 2015 second round draft pick in a separate deal.

Air21 also got Nonoy Baclao as part of the Cardona trade but the Express then shipped the former top overall pick along with playmaker Eric Salamat to Talk ‘N Text for point guard Pamboy Raymundo and Bam Gamalinda.

Cardona is expected to have little trouble in adjusting to his new team’s system with Franz Pumaren, Cardona’s former coach in La Salle, manning the sidelines for the Express.

Baclao will also be playing under a familiar coach in Norman Black, who mentored the defensive-minded big man in Ateneo.