Air21 playmaker Wynne Arboleda might soon get the chance to play again in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after all team captains have supported his bid of lifting the season-long ban slapped on him by the PBA board. Arboleda, last week, began a signature drive where he sought the support of all team captains so he could play again in the ongoing Fiesa Conference, which opened on Sunday. Kerby Raymundo of Derby Ace and Barako Coffeeâs Aries Dimaunahan were the latest signatories to Arboledaâs appeal joining Olsen Racela (San Miguel), Jeff Cariaso (Alaska), Marlou Aquino (Sta. Lucia), Eddie Laure (Rain or Shine), Eric Menk (Ginebra), Carlo Sharma (Air21, assistant), Jimmy Alapag (Talk âN Text) and Asi Taulava (Coca-Cola) who already signed the letter. "I want to thank my fellow team captains for showing their support," Arboleda told GMANews.TV.
(Arboleda's) absence clearly left a big hole in our point guard rotation. With Mike (Cortez) around, I think we can address that problem. â Air21 coach Yeng Guiao
Arboleda, the Air21 team captain, also made a separate letter to Smart Gilas Pilipinas team captain Chris Tiu to seek his support since the
incident, where the four-time All-Defensive team member got banned, took place during the Expressâ (Burger King) game against the RP developmental squad early in the Philippine Cupâs season. "I made a separate letter for (Tiu). Thatâs why I havenât passed my letter of appeal to PBA commissioner
Sonny Barrios," said Arboleda in a telephone interview. The Kalibo, Aklan-native Arboleda was slapped a season-long ban after attacking a paying fan, who verbally abused the burly Air21 playmaker. The 33-year-old Arboleda is included in Air21âs roster for the Fiesta Conference since the PBA prohibits teams to replace a suspended player.
Air21 prepared with or without Arboleda Air21 coach Yeng Guiao said even without Arboleda they are prepared in their title campaign in the Fiesta Conference. "If (Arboleda) joins us, that would be much better and it would bolster our chances more. Still, we have to prepare ourselves for the worse," said Guiao. "One of the biggest reasons for our downfall (in the Philippine Cup) was of course Arboledaâs suspension," Guiao said. "(Arboleda's) absence clearly left a big hole in our point guard rotation. With Mike (Cortez) around, I think we can address that problem."
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV And with Mike Cortez, Ren-Ren Ritualo, Rich Alvarez and Doug Kramer joining the squad in pre-season trades, Guiao remains upbeat in Air21âs chances in the Fiesta Conference. The Express got Cortez from San Miguel Beer in exchange for Alex Cabagnot while Ritualo was acquired from Talk âN Text in a multi-player deal that also included Yancy De Ocampo, JR Quinahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban. De Ocampo was later traded to Ginebra in exchange for Alvarez and Kramer. Guiao said Cortez and Ritualo will give the Express things they lacked in the Philippine Cup. "Last conference, we didnât have consistent outside shooting and with Ren-Ren and Mike now with the team, teams will give a second thought of playing zone defense against us," said Guiao.
Hoping to continue winning trend Guiao is also hoping to keep his winning trend since he always wins a PBA crown in his second season as coach of his new team. "Historically, every time Iâm coaching on a team in my second season, thatâs the time Iâve won championships," Guiao said. "I remember winning my first championship with Swift in 1992. And I also won my first title with Red Bull in 2001. This is my second season with Air21 and I do hope the trend will continue. Realistically, I really like our chances this conference."
â GMANews.TV