PBA: Express acquire Enrico Villanueva from GlobalPort for Matias, Sharma

The Air21 Express are set to pull off a second trade this conference, with the team acquiring center Enrico Villanueva from the GlobalPort Batang Pier, in exchange for Ronnie Matias and Carlo Sharma, according to coach Franz Pumaren on Friday, after their blowout 103-85 win against Barako Bull Energy Cola.

Pumaren confirmed the trade to the reporters, but admitted that the deal has yet to be finalized by the PBA Commissioner's office.

GlobalPort owner Mikee Romero also confirmed the parameters of the trade via text message.

The 6'6" Villanueva, a former Mythical Five player whose career has been slowed due to various injuries, has played only 15 games in the past two seasons, including just one with the Batang Pier, who traded for him prior to the 2013 PBA Draft.

This is the second time Matias is changing colors in as many conferences, after being acquired from Rain or Shine in the Philippine Cup. Meanwhile, Sharma will get a chance to prove himself on a new team after playing sparingly in coach Franz Pumaren's rotation.

Pumaren though hinted that the Express may not yet be done tinkering and rebuilding the Express, saying they're "still looking at scenarios."

A few days ago, Air21 traded sophomore forward Vic Manuel for Aldrech Ramos from Alaska. For one game at least, the move paid off, as Ramos was the top-scoring local versus Barako, with 17 points in just 20 minutes of action.

"We have to look at the overall picture," he said regarding their recent moves. "We're looking at the long-term result of those trades."  

The Express finished dead-last in the 2013-14 PHL Cup with a 3-11 record. - RAF, GMA News