Baclao No. 1 pick; Al-Hussaini No. 2

MANILA, Philippines - Air21 firmed up its roster for the next PBA wars with four prized rookies, headed by former Ateneo 1-2 punch in Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Noy Baclao in the 2010 PBA Rookie Draft at the Market! Market! in Taguig yesterday.

But the Express pulled off a shocker when they made the defense-minded Baclao as the top overall pick instead of the prolific Al-Hussaini, a former UAAP MVP and Finals MVP, who had been tipped as the No. 1 choice weeks leading to the draft.

Al-Hussaini was relegated to No. 2.

Embarrassed, the 6-7 Al-Hussaini was speechless when interviewed by media men then admitted he was slighted by the decision.

“I feel insulted, what can I say,” he said.

Air21 coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao said he had nothing to do with the decision.

“It’s the management’s call,” said Guiao. “We know what he’s (Al-Hussaini) feeling but I would try to talk to him and maybe ask the help of Carlo Sharma, his brother.”

While Al-Hussaini sulked, Baclao basked in being No. 1.

“I’m so happy to be chosen No. 1, I didn’t expect this,” said Baclao in Filipino.

The Express then drafted Letran’s Rey Guevarra at No. 3 and later picked Fil-Am Sean Anthony at No. 6 before passing up their last two turns late in the second round to complete one of the most celebrated rookie class in years.

“They say you can’t teach heart and I believe these four have it,” said Guiao. “We got all the players we wanted, I could not ask for anything more.”

Alaska Milk, meanwhile, traded Larry Fonacier for the No. 4 pick – Elmer Espiritu, a high-leaping former University of the East standout.

Fil-Am Josh Vanlandingham went to Rain or Shine at No. 5 followed by Anthony, Barangay Ginebra’s John Wilson and Jimbo Aquino, last year’s NCAA season MVP and Finals MVP at Nos. 7 and 8, respectively, and Derby Ace’s Pari Llagas at No. 9.

The Aces, satisfied with what they have, gave up their No. 10 pick to the Meralco Bolts in exchange for Bon Bon Custodio. The Bolts tabbed another Fil-Am in Gabriel Wienstein.

Bam Bam Gamalinda (Meralco), Rob Labagala (Ginebra), Val Acuna (Derby Ace), Ford Arao (Meralco), RJ Jazul (Rain or Shine), Kashim Mirza (Meralco), Borgie Hermida (Barako Bull), Jai Reyes (Powerade) and Marvin Hayes (Alaska) completed the draft list.