Air21 faces SMB; Solar fined

MANILA, Philippines - Air21 has enlisted Geremy Robinson in time for the Express’ game against the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo tonight.

Meanwhile, the PBA is imposing a fine of P3 million on Solar Sports for its failure to air live on Studio23 the Alaska-Powerade match Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

“Their failure to air our first game Wednesday on a live basis was a clear breach of our contract. Our contract is the law and we will enforce it,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

The second regular twinbill in the tourney also features Philippine Cup winner Talk n Text vesrsus Smart Gilas Pilipinas.

Robinson, from University of Hawaii, rushed from Honolulu only Wednesday, solving Air21’s woes after failing to have original import choice Alpha Bangura in the country in time for the Express’ debut in the mid-season tourney.

Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio said Bangura got stuck in Lebanon, awaiting the release of his final pay from his ball club in the Lebanon league.

“We’ve told the boys that they have to step up. We can’t expect much from our import who has just come in,” said Gregorio.

Robinson faces Ira Brown in the match marked by coach Bong Ramos’ return on the Air21 bench. Ramos is back with the Lina Group ball club, assuming the job left by coach Yeng Guiao on his transfer to Rain or Shine.

Jay-R Reyes and Reed Juntilla, transferees from Rain or Shine and Meralco, make their initial outing with the Express. Paolo Hubalde rejoins SMB while Leo Avenido is back with Air21.

Generating more excitement is Smart Gilas’ much-awaited debut in the tourney.

Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman, however, downplayed their chances against the all-Filipino champs, citing injuries to players.

“It will be a difficult game since Talk n Text brims with confidence after winning a championship. They also have a good import in Paul Harris,” Toroman also said.

Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes, meanwhile, said they’re not yet ready, having returned to practice only a few days back.

Salud expressed disappointment on Wednesday’s incident considering that they had forewarned Solar Sports of a possible problem arising from conflict of schedules.

The Alaska-Powerade game went on air Wednesday only after the completion of Studio23’s telecast of a UAAP volleyball game.

“Prior to the start of the second conference, Solar was made aware of a possible conflict. Solar assured us the PBA games will be shown live,” said Salud. “They’d been forewarned and yet they didn’t make preemptive measures.”

Salud intends to talk to the Solar Sports and Studio23 people to thresh out the problem.

By the start of the collegiate basketball season in June, Studio23 may encounter more telecast overlaps if it’s not able to make the necessary adjustments.

Studio23 airs the NCAA games every Wednesday and Friday and the UAAP games every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 2-6 p.m.