PBA preview: Air21 Express

Levi Verora

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

KG Canaleta gets some scoring help with the addition of Mac Cardona and Joseph Yeo, while Asi Taulava secures the paint for the Air21 Express

GO TO GUY. KG Canaleta established himself as Air21's no. 1 offensive option but he will have help this season with the arrival of Mac Cardona. Photo by Nuki Sabio/PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – A new Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season kicks off on Sunday, November 17. Anticipation is high especially with the influx of young talent that came via the PBA draft

Who are the teams and players to watch out for? Rappler gives you a preview of each team and how we expect them to fare in the All-Filipino Conference.

AIR21 EXPRESS

Philippine Cup recap

KG Canaleta, Mike Cortez, and Mark Isip helped Air21 book the last ticket to the quarterfinals with a 5-9 win-loss card. But they were booted out by the stronger Talk ‘N Text squad.

Projected starters

Asi Taulava
Vic Manuel
Nino Canaleta
Mac Cardona
Simon Atkins

Bench

Carlo Sharma
Eric Camson
Ogie Menor
Joseph Yeo
Bonbon Custodio
Elmer Espiritu
Mark Borboran
Wynne Arboleda
Renren Ritualo
Mike Burtscher

Coaching staff

Head coach: Franz Pumaren
Assistants: Cholo Villanueva, Jack Santiago, Tonichi Yturri, Dan Rose, Josh Villapando

Strengths

Although 40 years old, Asi Taulava gives Air21 a stable presence in the slot. Fresh from winning the ABL MVP award, Taulava made a successful return to the PBA where he logged 9.3 points and 12.7 rebounds in 3 games. KG Canaleta, the top scoring local in the Governors’ Cup, will try to keep the points coming while the addition of Mac Cardona gives the Express a solid backcourt player.

Weaknesses

Air21 has a surplus of guards but lacks big men. Taulava’s back-up Carlo Sharma is 33 years old. They only have Vic Manuel, Elmer Espiritu, and rookie Eric Camson to patrol the post and it would be a huge challenge to go up against Sonny Thoss, June Mar Fajardo, and Marc Pingris.

In the backcourt, Coach Franz Pumaren must find the right combination since the Express are loaded at the 1 and 2 spots.

X-Factor

Eric Camson was a promising big man for the Adamson Falcons. He is the best-skilled power forward among the draftees this year, and he is a perfect fit for Air21 since they are badly in need of a guy to man the power forward spot.

Is KG Canaleta due for a breakout season? And…

The high-flying wing man led Express with over 17 points per outing last season. With Mike Cortez, Mark Isip, and James Sena out of the roster, it looks like Canaleta will be Air21’s top offensive weapon. In the last Philippine Cup, he shot over 40% from rainbow country, the best among forwards. Air21’s campaign will go as far as where Canaleta takes them.

Will the La Salle connection connect?

Mac Cardona, Joseph Yeo, Simon Atkins, and Renren Ritualo were hotshots for La Salle. They reunite under former Green Archers head coach Franz Pumaren. But the Express’ backcourt is a bit crowded so finding minutes each player and getting them to gel could be a challenge.

Philippine Cup forecast

Air21 will find themselves at the cellar, but they have a shot at making the quarterfinals. The best case is sealing a 7th or 8th seed, then upsetting the higher-ranked teams. – Rappler.com


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