Arboleda returns, Guiao takes a leave for slumping Express

The Air21 Express, a team on a seven-game slump in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Cup, received good and bad news Thursday. First, the good news. The slumping Express are welcoming back controversial guard Wynne Arboleda, who has just been reinstated by the Office of the Commissioner after serving eight months of suspension. The stocky 5 foot-10 guard will play for the first time this year when the Express face the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados in Panabo City, Davao del Norte on Saturday.

The last time Arboleda saw action for the Express was during their game against the Smart-Gilas national developmental squad last October 16, 2009 where the pride of Kalibo mauled a heckling fan. Barrios cut the suspension short after Arboleda, a member of the 2006-07 Second Mythical selection and last season’s Defensive Player of the Year, showed “sincere efforts and genuine desire to project a positive and wholesome image to the public, particularly the youth." “We also take note of your repeated expression of contriteness over the incident and the use of time under suspension in a positive and proactive manner instead of simply being ‘unproductive’ during your suspension," Barrios told Arboleda in a letter announcing the lifting of his suspension. But Arboleda has to pay 10 percent of the gross of his monthly salary from May 15 to August 15, 2010 – the period remaining in the suspension penalty he should serve in full. While under suspension, Arboleda told GMANews.TV that he got himself involved in several worthy activities for kids and even played a key role during the election period. “I got myself involved in several cage clinics, including one with coach Norman Black. I asked the PBA if I could get myself in and they obliged," said Arboleda. “I submitted to them pictures and certificate of recognitions of my involvement." During the elections, Arboleda was part of the Air21 logistic team. “I was with the Air21 logistics team that went to Kalibo to help them carry voting equipment," he added. Arboleda’s return is indeed a welcome development for coach Yeng Guiao and the Express, who are on a seven-game losing streak and languishing in the cellar of the 10-team standings with a 1-8 record. Air21 president and PBA chairman Lito Alvarez welcomed this new dveelopment, saying his reinstatement will serve as a big morale booster to his team that has been struggling lately. "Wynne is a big help. He's the heart and soul of the team and he is the leader among the players," said Arboleda. "I'm sure, the players will be very happy with his return." Now, the bad news. Guiao has a filed a week-long absence as coach of the Express, leaving the coaching duties to his long-time deputy Rhoel Nadurata and Johnny Tam. Arboleda, the Express’ skipper, confirmed the news and also added that he might help give inputs to the coaching staff. “Coach Yeng will be on leave for a week and will spend vacation with his family. He needs to take time out as he was very exhausted both from the election campaign and his coaching duties," said Arboleda. “But we will still use his system and I believe the system is already in place." - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV