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Nonoy picked over Rabeh a ploy, says Air21 exec


The decision to pick Siverino ‘Nonoy’ Baclao ahead of Rabeh Al-Hussaini was a ploy to bring the best out of both players and see how they will react with the turn of events. “There were two things considered there. First, we want to give Baclao added confidence in his game and play like a true No.1 pick. Second, we want to bring the best out of Al-Hussaini and prove to everyone he deserves to be No.1," said newly-appointed Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio. In the end, the Express left one guy happier than ever while the other one felt insulted. So there’s a problem that needs to be addressed quickly. Yeng Guiao, a multi-titled, veteran coach, has experienced handling unhappy players due to playing time, players who were more of a head case or even those who spelled trouble inside the court in his 30 years as mentor in the league. He will have another tough task of trying to keep a hold of his new breed of talents. The fiery mentor will have to take a serious look at Al-Hussaini – a discontented rookie, who ended up at No.2 behind Baclao in the just concluded PBA Annual Rookie Draft. Rey Guevarra, a talented small forward, was selected third overall by the Express.


I’m not aware of it. But for me, it’s a clean slate. I don’t have any business with whatever differences they had in the past, if there’s any. But I want to see them play hard and play within our system.
–Yeng Guiao, Air21 coach
“Yeah, I’ve seen and experienced a lot of those in my long coaching stint in the PBA," said Guiao of his past players. “But this case involving Rabeh can be fixed. I’m confident we can fix it." Al Hussaini, a potential top overall pick and a cinch to become the No.1 rookie choice, couldn’t hide his disappointment and felt insulted the moment Baclao’s name was called.
But for someone who’s been with these two players, there’s a deeper reason why Al-Hussaini felt insulted when Baclao’s name was called as the top overall pick in the Rookie Draft. “The two didn’t get along ever since 2008 when Ateneo won the first of its back-to-back UAAP championships," said a team insider from the Eagles, who’s been a witness on how sour the relationship of Al-Hussaini and Baclao was from that time. The same source added that the two players came to blows in practice and the long feud was only overshadowed when the Blue Eagles won their second straight title. On Draft Day, several key members of the Ateneo community, threw their support to Baclao and an alumnus who requested anonymity told GMANews.TV that they came in to support the hardworking, 6-foot-4 player from Bacolod City. “He is the more likeable Atenean. A player who has a humble beginning, who works hard every game and in practice," said this Ateneo alumnus. Guiao said he’s not aware of the past bickering of his two new prized-rookies, but is hoping to get them play together for the benefit of the team. “I’m not aware of it. But for me, it’s a clean slate. I don’t have any business with whatever differences they had in the past, if there’s any. But I want to see them play hard and play within our system," said Guiao. On Tuesday, the Express start their practice for the PBA’s 36th season. Who’s acting more professionally is what matters to Guiao. Al-Hussaini won’t be traded Bert Lina, chairman of the Lina Group of Companies and team owner of the Express, gave out directives to the management and coaching staff to let their top three rookies be their cornerstone of their franchise. “The top rookies will stay. A lot of people thought Al-Hussaini’s comments may have fueled talks that he might be traded. But no. No less than our chairman, Mr. Lina, gave the orders that these rookies will stay and become the cornerstone of our franchise," said Gregorio. Gregorio added that the top three rookies will also be offered to a three-year pact on Tuesday. “Baclao and Rabeh will be offered maximum three-year contracts," said Gregorio. “Guevarra will be given a little less, but also to a three-year pact." - GMANews.TV
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