Air21 fires Forte, hires third import

MANILA, Philippines - With much time to prepare for its next game, Air21 has decided to again make an import change, acquiring Reggie Larry to take over from Jason Forte.

Air21 team manager Lito Alvarez told The STAR Larry is highly recommended by his Filipino ABL coach Bong Ramos, who used to call the shots for the Express.

Larry, a Boise State U product, was Purefoods’ original choice last year. He failed to suit up with the Giants after sustaining an injury a few days before the start of the tourney.

But the 6-foot-6 Idaho native has recovered from his injury and will finally play in the PBA after a stint with the Brunei Barracudas in the ABL ruled by the Philippine Patriots.

Air21 decided to hire Larry after going 1-3 with Keena Young then 0-2 with Forte.

“Mr. Alvarez asked me about Larry. I told him I don’t know the player and he can do what’s best for the team,” said Air21 coach Yeng Guiao.

Guiao himself wasn’t satisfied with Forte.

“He’s improving but the question is whether his improvement or what he’s showing is enough,” said Guiao.

The Air21 mentor thought their bid disadvantage in the import matchup was a key factor in their loss to Sta. Lucia Realty Sunday.

“Our locals did very well against their Sta. Lucia counterparts but our import was outclassed by the Sta. Lucia import,” said Guiao.

Larry, a 6-foot-6 forward, was a first-team preseason All-WAC pick by both the conference’s coaches and media in the 2007-2008 season.

The season before, Larry was named to the Western Athletic Conference All-Newcomer Team.

Before his stint with Boise State, Larry played two seasons at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho, averaging 15.2 points and a team-high 8.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore.

He was named to the 2006 Junior College All-National Tournament Team in Hutchinson, Kansas, after averaging 21.0 points and 11.7 rebounds in CSI’s three games.