Air21 sends Mamaril back to Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines - Six-foot-six center Billy Mamaril has moved back to Barangay Ginebra after seeing action with Air21 briefly towards the end of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.

Air21 dealt Mamaril back to Ginebra in exchange for a future draft pick.

“It’s among previous agreements boss Lito Alvarez (the former Air21 chief) entered into that we have to honor,” said newly designated Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio.

Acquired by Air21 from Ginebra in exchange for Mike Cortez during the homestretch of the Fiesta Cup elims, Mamaril played eight games with the Express, averaging six rebounds, five points and two assists.

Earlier, Air21 served as conduit in the Meralco-Talk n Text trade involving Macmac Cardona, and the Express had its benefits, getting hard-nosed guard Josh Urbiztondo and the No. 3 pick in the coming draft.

A separate deal had Beau Belga landing at Meralco, Ali Peek rejoining Talk n Text and JR Quinahan moving back to Air21.

“I would’ve been happy with Belga, Mamaril, Carlo Sharma, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Noy Baclao. But the management has had commitments we need to satisfy,” said coach Yeng Guiao.

Guiao’s major concern is that he’s left with no big man who can run the floor.

“We now need a big man who can quicken up our frontline,” said Guiao.

Guiao and Gregorio said they will surely exercise their rights on the first two picks on Al-Hussaini and Baclao.

“We’re keeping our options on our No. 4 and No. 6 picks. As of now, we’re undecided. It will depend on talents available on draft day,” said Gregorio.

“We may use the picks as trade baits for veteran players,” Gregorio added.