Rabeh caps sterling stint in rookie camp

MANILA, Philippines - Rabeh Al-Hussaini capped his stint in the 2010 PBA Rookie Camp with an excellent performance by a potential number one draft pick.

The 6-foot-7 former UAAP MVP came away with 28 points and had eight rebounds to propel the White Team to an 80-78 victory over the Yellow Team yesterday in the Finals of the camp’s first mini-tournament at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Al-Hussaini, who also had two assists and two blocks, scored 11 of his points in the fourth quarter of a close match while teaming-up with Riego Gamalinda of San Beda to subdue a strong comeback by the Yellow squad. Gamalinda poured nine of his 18 points in the fourth.

University of the East’s Narciso Llagas, who caught the attention of coaches with his energy and defensive effort, scored 16 points to show the way for the Yellow Team. Fil-American John Smith had 12 points and Khazim Ali Mirza added 10.

Elmer Espiritu, a 6-foot-4 former slam dunk champion with a good shooting touch, and Nonoy Baclao also had an impressive performance for Yellow on the final day of the camp. Espiritu turned in six points, 14 rebounds and two blocks while Baclao had seven points, 11 boards and two assists.

Air21 coach Yeng Guiao has openly expressed his interest in drafting Al-Hussaini and Baclao – instrumental in Ateneo’s two championship runs – to bolster the Express frontline after trading Beau Belga and Billy Mamaril.

Air21 owns the No. 1, 2, 3 and 6 draft picks in the PBA Annual Draft set this Sunday at the Market! Market! Place in Taguig.

Ford Arao, RJ Jazul and Alfredo Gerilla each scored 10 points as the Red Team wound up third with an 80-75 win over the Blue Team. Mark Jeffries led the Blue Team also with 10 points.