Rabeh adds heft, ceiling to Gilas five

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time UAAP MVP awardee Rabeh Al-Hussaini of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, has come to terms with Smart Gilas, agreeing to be part of the RP team competing in the 2011 Fiba Asia Championship before pursuing his dream to play in the pros.

Minus the formal contract-signing, the 6-foot-7 Al-Hussaini joins Smart Gilas as it starts its guest stint in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup against Burger King at 2:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum today.

The durable Al-Hussaini will beef up the Smart-Gilas frontline together with 6-foot-9 Japeth Aguilar and 6-10 CJ Giles, who is being eyed by the team for naturalization.

SBP executive director Noli Eala said they are waiting for the return of SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan from a trip abroad for the formal signing of Al-Hussaini’s pact.

“ I’m excited to be part of Smart-Gilas,” said Al-Hussaini.

Another Ateneo stalwart Ryan Buenafe joins the Nationals against the Whoppers but Letran’s RJ Jazul will miss the game since the Knights are still in the thick of the fight in the NCAA. Rey Guevarra, another Letran stalwart, is sidelined by an injury.

“We are excited and proud to have Rabeh in Smart Gilas. He is definitely a major addition to the team and will play a vital role in our campaign towards making the London Olympics. We thank the family of Rabeh, his friends and advisers and the Ateneo community for the trust and support they have reposed upon the SBP and Smart Gilas,” Eala said.

Meanwhile, Eala said he understands that Aguilar’s original contract with BK has been reconstructed and extended to three years by Talk n Text.

Eala said Smart Gilas will assume the terms and conditions of the pact since Aguilar has been “loaned” by Talk n Text to the RP team.