Express dangerous as ever

People's Journal
October 2, 2007

Gone: Mark Telan, Mark Andaya
Gain: JC Intal, Doug Kramer, Marvin Cruz, JR Masbang, Irvin Soto
Mainstays: Arwind Santos, Gary David, Wynne Arboleda, KG Canaleta, Ranidel de Ocampo, Aris Dimaunahan, Homer Se.

THE Air21 Express had gotten promising rookies JC Intal, Doug Kramer and Marvin Cruz straight out of the 2007 PBA Draft.

Yet the franchise’s biggest acquisition this season if it pushes through - could turn out to be the man out to call the shots for the Express.

Negotiations for the services of basketball Living Legend Robert Jaworski as coach of the young Express team are still ongoing, according to team officials,
even with the season-opening Philippine Cup just three weeks away from formally kicking off.

Just the mere thought of having the durable basketball figure on the Air21 bench is already stirring enough excitement among the Express, and even to the man whom Jaworski supposedly will take over.

“Excited pero naiinip din kahit paano,” said Air21 coach Bo Perasol. “But the team understands naman especially negotiating with someone of Robert Jaworski’s stature,” he said.

Whether he keeps his coaching job or not, Perasol said there won’t be any problem.

“I’m always ready for whatever job management tells me to do,” he said. “I’m the one handling the team right now and definitely, there won’t be much problem if ever I’ll still be the head coach in the coming conference.”

Whether it’s Jaworski or Perasol, the Express remain a team full of promise.

The Ateneo duo of Intal and Kramer, along with Cruz a steal in the second round further add youth and athleticism to a young and running Express squad that includes Arwind Santos, Wynne Arboleda, KG Canaleta, Aris Dimaunahan and Homer Se.

Kramer, a stocky 6-foot-5 center, fills in the void vacated by Mark Telan, traded by Air21 to Coca-Cola for a first round draft right.

The return of Ranidel de Ocampo after a stint with the RP men’s basketball team - and hopefully of Gary David from the injured list - only make the Express even more dangerous.

That’s enough for Perasol to send a stern warning to the rest of the 10-team field.

“Patayan ang Philippine Cup. But do not underestimate this team. Pag binalewala mo ito, kayang-kaya kang talunin nito,” said the former University of the Philippines stalwart.