PBA clears Baguio's transfer to Express

PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios eventually approved Cyrus Baguio’s transfer to Air21 yesterday, allowing the former Red Bull star slasher to join the Express as they clash with the Purefoods Giants in the initial stage of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup wildcard round at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Coca-Cola and San Miguel Beer figure in the other pairing in the wildcard phase deciding which team will advance to the quarterfinal round versus Barangay Ginebra.

Barrios met with PBA vice chairman Angelito Alvarez of Air21 and Red Bull governor Tony Chua at the PBA office yesterday, clarifying the trade also involving Red Bull’s Celino Cruz in exchange for Air21’s first round draft picks in 2011 and 2012.

“After the assurances from both Alvarez and Chua that both teams will positively address the commissioner’s concerns and will continue to uphold the league’s rules and regulations, particularly those pertaining to the team salary cap, the trade was approved accordingly,” said PBA commissioner’s office in a statement.

“Although I would like to believe that we are much deeper now in our wing position, everybody knows that it will take time for our new acquisitions to adjust,” said Air21 coach Bo Perasol.

Baguio is suiting up right away with his new team. Cruz will miss today’s game as he’s in Cebu attending the wake of his departed mother-in-law.

Rookie Pocholo Villanueva was relegated to the reserve list on the entry of Baguio and Cruz.

Despite a shakeup in the Air21 lineup, the Giants are hopeful in their bid versus the Express whom they swept in two games in the elimination round.

Purefoods’ Big Three of Kerby Raymundo, James Yap and Rico Villanueva produced huge numbers in both games, powering the Giants to a 108-105 win in overtime on Oct. 31 then a 96-88 victory on Nov. 29.

“We know our disadvantages against Purefoods. We’ve made adjustments in practice. Hopefully, it works,” said Perasol.

Raymundo erupted for 37 points, Yap