Brgy Ginebra Kings

So far, Jong Uichico is having none of the problems that besieged his Barangay Ginebra crew in the last PBA tournament.

"So far, so good," Uichico told the Inquirer Wednesday, shortly after a practice game against Rain or Shine.

Although his boys lost by four points, Uichico was upbeat of his Gin Kings' chances in the coming Fiesta Conference because all his stars are healthy so far.

"I just hope it stays that way," added the multi-titled mentor, who is gunning for a second win in three years in the import-flavored, season-ending event with reinforcement Awvee Storey.

Reigning MVP Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa, Ginebra's heart and soul who sat out majority of the Philippine Cup because of varying leg injuries, are now 100-percent fit and Uichico made it no secret that the duo will again play a great role in the Kings' coming stint.

Ginebra won this tournament two years ago with a 7-foot reinforcement in Chris Alexander, a gem of an import unveiled by the Kings who are hoping that they have found another diamond in the rough in Storey.

"He's not flashy, but he is very hardworking and he is very effective," Uichico said, even as he expressed some sort of disappointment that he wasn't able to land Alex Cabagnot from Air21 to address his backcourt need.

The soft-spoken coach is also confident that he can give Yancy De Ocampo a second wind in his career.

"I know what they (experts) have been saying, that Yancy is slow and that Yancy is lazy and all of those things," Uichico said. "But to me, he is a player that complements what the team already has."

Meanwhile, only three returning imports are in the official list—Gabriel Freeman of the defending champion San Miguel Beermen, burly Jai Lewis of Rain or Shine and Coca-Cola's James Penny.

Alaska will parade wiry NBA D-League standout Diamon Simpson, Talk ‘N Text will have Eric Hicks and Air21 will be bannered by Larry Hickerson. - www.sports.inquirer.net

The latest trade that shipped Yancy de Ocampo to Ginebra from Air21 is expected to strengthen the Kings' depleted frontline.

The 6-foot-9 De Ocampo, who was sent to Ginebra in exchange for two forwards, is expected to fill in the center spot left by veteran Eric Menk who has been constantly hobbled by injuries in the semifinals of the previous Philippine Cup, where the Kings were swept in the best-of-seven Final Four series by the Alaska Aces.

Now on his eighth season, De Ocampo should provide stability in the center position for Ginebra as he shares playing minutes with Menk and Enrico Villanueva.

De Ocampo averaged 6.5 points and 4.2 rebounds for Talk ‘N Text in the Philippine Cup.

It remains to be seen, however, if the trade will really help both the Kings and the Express in their respective campaigns in the Fiesta Cup, which is set to open March 21. Ginebra will have NBA veteran Awvee Storey as their reinforcement, while Leroy Hickerson will play for Air21.

Ginebra acquired De Ocampo in a trade with Air21 the other day in exchange for two power forwards in Doug Kramer and Rich Alvarez.

"We're trying to strengthen our team since he's the best available player. Hopefully he can help us," Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said. "But not a single person can answer our team's problem. It's a team effort."

Air21 representative and current PBA chairman Lito Alvarez, on the other hand, said he is excited with team's ongoing talks with San Miguel Beer.

The Express are hoping to land versatile point guard Mike Cortez in exchange for Alex Cabagnot.

Barring any late changes, the two sides are expected to ink the deal this Wednesday. - www.mb.com.ph

Sidelined last season because of knee injuries, Cortez played a major role in SMB's guard rotation last conference, averaging 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steal.

Last week, they obtained De Ocampo and three-point specialist Renren Ritualo, who both started their pro careers with them, from TNT for Mark Yee, JR Quinahan, and Aaron Aban.

Air21, however, did not pass up on the opportunity to take back former player Kramer and get the services of Alvarez, two seldom-used forwards in the Ginebra rotation as team manager Lito Alvarez felt both will be major contributors.

"We're thrilled to have them as they'll be reunited with former Ateneo teammate Wesley Gonzales," Alvarez said.

Through 15 games, Alvarez averaged only 2.1 points and 3.4 rebounds with Ginebra last conference.

Winner of the Rookie of the Year award in 2005, this will be Alvarez's sixth team after stints with the Shell, Alaska, Red Bull, and Purefoods, while Kramer, who played only three games, will return to the team that tabbed him No. 5 in 2007 PBA Rookie Draft.

Air21 is about to close separate trade deals with Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer, making its core lineup a mix of Ateneans and La Sallites with new acquisitions in Mike Cortez, Rich Alvarez and Doug Kramer.

The Lina Group ball club is to get Cortez from San Miguel for Alex Cabagnot and acquire Alvarez and Kramer from Ginebra for Yancy de Ocampo.

Air21 team manager Lito Alvarez said he’s likely to close the deals with the SMC group by tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Alaska coach Tim Cone said they have signed up Diamon Simpson as their import for the coming PBA Fiesta Conference.

Simpson, a product of Saint Mary’s U who’s fresh from a stint with the LA Defenders in the NBA D-League, arrives in the country today.

Alvarez resumed negotiation with the SMC management for their transactions upon their return from Dubai where the Air21 Express finished third in a four-team invitational tourney also featuring the Coca-Cola Tigers.

Alvarez said import Leroy Hickerson made good impression in the tourney where they placed second behind the UAE national team.

"The import we’ve got and the new players we’re about to get make me really excited about the coming tourney," said Alvarez.

"Doug (Kramer) has played for us and I like his work ethic. I also like Rich Alvarez. The two are college teammates," Alvarez added.

Kramer and Alvarez will be reunited in a team where they will be allied with former varsity rivals Cortez and Renren Ritualo. Air21 gave up De Ocampo without a single official game since his recent transfer from Talk n Text.

The 6-foot-9 De Ocampo was part of the Air21-Talk n Text trade also involving Renren Ritualo, JR Quinahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban.

"Definitely, Renren Ritualo will stay with us. Renren and Ronjay Buenafe will be our main men at off-guard spot," said Alvarez.

Cabagnot, meanwhile, was able to play a few games with Burger King (now Air21) before finding himself being traded once again.

San Miguel will be Cabagnot’s fourth team after Sta. Lucia, Coca-Cola and Burger King. - www.philstar.com