Air21 rookie Al-Hussaini earns PBA scribes' nod

Rabeh Al-Hussaini is slowly but surely making his presence felt. Snubbed for this season’s top overall rookie pick, Al-Husseini is letting his game do the talking. The Air21 slotman posted back-to-back 30-plus productions and towed the Express to the quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. “Rabeh played his best game so far. It’s just a glimpse of his real potential," said Air21 coach Yeng Guiao of the Accel-PBA Press Corps' Player of the Week winner for the period Nov. 29 to Dec. 5. "He showed that if he’s serious about his purpose, he can get better," added the fiery tactician. Guiao’s comments came on the heels of Al-Hussaini’s 30-point output in the Express’ 82-77 win over the Barako Bull Energy Boosters. He scored all of Air21's last 10 points in the final five-and-a-half minutes. The 22-year-old, former UAAP season and Finals MVP shot 13-of-27 from the field, collared five rebounds, dished off two assists and had a block. It came a game after posting he posted his career-best 31 points in an 89-96 loss to the San Miguel Beermen. With Al-Husseini taking charge, the Express improved their win-loss record to 5-7. The Express could go higher than eighth place and avoid a twice-to-win handicap against the top team in the ensuing round if they win their last two elimination-round assignments, against Rain or Shine on Wednesday and Talk ‘N Text on Sunday. For now, it looks like Air21’s probable opponent is San Miguel Beer, but Guiao is unfazed. "Kung ma-a-avoid namin ang San Miguel, better. But if not, we’ll give them a good fight," he stated. Guiao has reason to feel upbeat, especially with Al-Hussaini improving game by game. The former Ateneo stalwart has jacked up his average to 17.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. - KY, RCJ, GMANews.TV