AIR21 WON’T BRING BACK DOUTHIT

Air21 Express will forego plans to rehire Gilas Pilipinas naturalized cager Marcus Douthit.

The workhorse naturalized Pinoy Douthit had a spectacular stint with Air21 in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup.

In the said tourney, Douthit a played major role in helping the then-undermanned Express to 3 upset wins, including a huge one against the Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters.

In the same PBA year, Air21 (carrying the brand name Shopinas.com Clickers) suffered the most disappointing stint in franchise history, recording a 0-14 win-loss record in the the Philippine Cup.

But because of Douthit’s commitment to the national team, Air21 coach Franz Pumaren told pba.ph that instead of negotiating with Douthit, he is now reviewing videos of 4 import prospects.

“Gusto sana namin, kaso hindi na siguro namin guguluhin pa ang isip ni Marcus. We will just let him focus on his Gilas commitment. Saka sunod-sunod na schedule ng team eh,” explained Pumaren, who ironically will lend ace forward KG Canaleta to the PHL 5.

“Niloloko ko nga si KG eh. Sabi ko ang tagal mo nang player, ngayon ka pa lang napansin,” joked the multi-titled UAAP mentor.

Meanwhile, Pumaren will give his wards 3 weeks of vacation before calling back the Express to training camp at his Gatorade Hoops Center Gym in Shaw Blvd.

“Binigyan ko rin ng pahinga yung players ko, pero I gave them certain programs to do during their idle time to stay in condition.”

Pumaren is also optimistic that like the ongoing Philippine Cup, the coming 2013 Commissioner’s Cup, which opens shop on February 8, will be another interesting campaign for Air21, which for the first time in years reached the playoffs.

When asked by pba.ph about trades, Pumaren was candid in saying: “I want to improve our 2 guard spot. We’ll see. Early next year I hope to work out something.”  (SBadua)

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