Baclao to miss Express debut vs Beermen today

MANILA—With the top three rookie picks in its roster, the Air21 Express try to show whether they now have the credentials to finally deliver the franchise’s first title in the Philippine Basketball Association. Flaunting a hulking, youthful look, the Express debut in the season-opening Philippine Cup today against powerhouse San Miguel Beer. But the Express’ excitement has been tempered by the news of top pick Nonoy Baclao’s impending absence in the 7:30 p.m. clash. The 6-foot-5 former Ateneo defensive stalwart will miss the game because of a hyper-extended knee he sustained in a tuneup game against the Alaska Aces last Tuesday. Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the No. 2 pick, and third selection Rey Guevarra will definitely  debut for the Express. Though the Express are not listed as favorites against the Beermen, pundits feel that Air21 will not be the same pushover team of last year with a better than average chance of going all the way this time. Hussaini, the former two-time UAAP MVP, and top rookie pick Baclao, a hard-working power forward, will undoubtedly be the pivots of the Air21 game on both ends along with Guevarra, the former Letran stalwart and Smart Gilas recruit. Reigning Fiesta Conference champion Alaska, and doormat Barako Bull open the curtains on the regular twinbill when they collide at 5:30 p.m. contest with the Aces parading rookie recruit Elmer Espiritu and new acquisition Bonbon Custodio. The five-day-old tournament has newcomer Meralco, Powerade and Talk ‘N Text as early winners, with the Tropang Texters the most impressive after walloping defending champion Derby Ace, 87-76, on Wednesday. With the youngest twin tower combination in Baclao and Al-Hussaini, coach Yeng Guiao is expected to exploit the size he now has to take the Express deep into the tournament. The Express never made it past the wild-card phase in the two tournaments last season. Dondon Hontiveros, Arwind Santos and an overflow of talented big men will lead the Beermen, who will have Gee Abanilla calling the shots until Ato Agustin winds up his commitment with the San Sebastian Stags in the ongoing NCAA season. San Miguel, after being ousted in the semifinals here last year and finishing second to Alaska in the Fiesta Conference, let go of Siot Tanquingcen and appointed Agustin as head coach, with Abanilla remaining as an assistant. The Beermen have been prepped by Abanilla for most of the offseason with the Stags defending their NCAA crown. Dorian Peña, Mick Pennisi and Danny Ildefonso will definitely have the advantage on experience against Baclao and Al-Hussaini. With a report from Cedelf P. Tupas