Al-Hussaini a no-show in PBA fashion show, faces possible sanction

He may be the most promising big man among the rookies set to play in the Philippine Basketball Association this season, but Rabeh Al-Hussani of Air21 has quickly established a negative reputation a few days before the opening of the league’s 36th season. The 6-foot-7 slotman from Ateneo was a no-show during the Pormang PBA, a fashion show organized by the league to display the modeling skills of some of their players. No word has come out yet on why Al-Hussaini, picked second overall behind top rookie pick and Air21 teammate Nonoy Baclao, didn’t show up in the event that showcased another entertainment facet by the 15 players selected from all 10 participating teams.

Newly-installed PBA commissioner Atty. Chito Salud informed GMANews.TV that no sanction or penalty will be meted out to the former UAAP Most Valuable Player who led the Blue Eagles to back-to-back championships. “That’s his loss and his team’s," said Salud in a text message Monday. “But his absence is noted." “I am interested more on how his team handles him since his behavior directly reflects on them. He is young and needs to be guided by his mother team first and not to be penalized by the league at the very outset," added Salud. Informed of Al-Hussaini’s non-appearance in the league’s preseason activity, Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio said he will ask for whatever possible sanctions may be given. “Yes, it’s true, his action also reflects on our team," said Gregorio in a text message. “We will discuss with the management and the PBA what sanction may be given Rabeh." - KY/Rey Joble, GMANews.TV