Guiao expects Air21 to soar

MANILA, Philippines - Air21 coach Yeng Guiao is far from throwing in the towel despite the Express’ six straight losses in the PBA Fiesta Conference and with import Reggie Larry in harness, the expectation is it’s only a matter of time before the tide will turn.

“Reggie’s definitely better all around than our previous imports,” said Guiao the other day. “He’s very coachable, not too outgoing. Maybe, he’s a little shy or just feeling out his teammates. He’s very young at 23 but showed a lot of maturity in our first game. So far, he looks like the guy we need.”

Larry checked in after Air21 got off to a shaky 1-5 start, taking over from Jason Forte who had replaced Keena Young. He compiled 38 points and nine rebounds in his PBA debut but the Express lost a 120-115 decision to Talk ‘N’ Text last May 1. In his second outing, Larry delivered 30 points, 15 rebounds and three assists as Air21 narrowly bowed to Barangay Ginebra, 101-100, last Wednesday.

Air21 has a chance to snap its losing skid in a game against Rain Or Shine at the Araneta Coliseum today.

“We need some confidence booster, perhaps a nice win,” said Guiao. “I think we have enough local support. Our import just came a little late. But there’s enough time to catch up.”

Guiao said what will turn things around for the Express is hard-nosed defense, the kind that his previous team, Red Bull, was known for.

“The locals need to step up, particularly on defense,” he continued. “What I like about Reggie is his flexibility to play an inside-outside game. But I would like him to be more of a force on defense.”

Larry is a no-frills player. He’s a guy who goes out on the court and gets the job done efficiently without much fanfare. He walks and runs funny – he’s knock-kneed with his feet pointing inwards. Even his name is funny, like he has two first names. Fans think he looks like the San Antonio Spurs’ Richard Jefferson but for sure, he’d rather play like him.

What makes Larry a cut above the rest is his ability to play two ways. He’s a dependable scorer and an intimidating shot blocker. More than anything else, Larry does what the coach asks him to do. He doesn’t mind sharing the limelight with teammates. All he wants is to lead his team to victory, game after game.

In 2005-06, Larry powered Southern Idaho to the junior college national tournament, averaging 21 points and 11.7 rebounds in three games. The next season, he hit at a 14.1 clip in 31 games, including 26 starts, with Boise State, an NCAA Division I school. Larry also averaged 8.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots. Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook said he was “a force down low, blocking 44 shots and coming up with 22 steals.” Larry was the second leading rebounder and one of the top five scorers in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).

Larry was perfect for Boise State coach Greg Graham’s up-tempo style where “defense fuels offense with steals out front and quick outlet passes off the boards.” In 2007-08, Larry averaged 19.4 points and 9.2 rebounds as Boise State posted a 25-9 record, won the WAC title and advanced to the NCAA playoffs for the first time in 14 years. That season, Boise State set school records for most total wins, most road wins, most points scored, most total field goals converted, most three-point shots made and most assists. Boise State barged into the NCAA tournament after tripping New Mexico State, 107-103, in triple overtime.

Larry played for the Golden State Warriors in the 2008 NBA summer league but never made it to the regular lineup. He played in Cyrus, France and Macedonia then signed a contract with the Brunei Barracudas under coach Bong Ramos in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) this past season. Larry averaged 19.6 points in 10 games for the Barracudas.

Last year, Larry was supposed to play for Purefoods but an injury prevented it before the Fiesta Conference started. Now, he’s healthy and raring to bring Air21 back on the winning track.

Air21 is adjusting to a major personnel revamp this conference with four new players moving in via trades - Mike Cortez, RenRen Ritualo, Doug Kramer and Rich Alvarez. Gone from last conference are Alex Cabagnot, Gary David, Chico Lanete, J. R. Quinahan, Aaron Aban and Mark Yee. Additionally, Guiao reactivated Erick Rodriguez. Still awaiting reinstatement is suspended cager Wynne Arboleda.

A consolation is at least four of the Express’ last six losses could’ve gone either way. The overtime setback to Sta. Lucia Realty was painful but losing to Ginebra by one had to be a dagger.

Guiao is upbeat. For Air21, deliverance appears to be just around the corner.