Bond of brothers: Al-Hussaini may join Sharma with Express

Make way for a possible bond of brothers in the Air21 Express. Multi-titled coach Yeng Guiao is set to make Rabeh Al Hussaini, half brother of veteran slotman Carlo Sharma, as the top overall pick in the coming Philippine Basketball Association Rookie Draft this month. In a telephone interview with GMANews.TV, Guiao made known his intention to get Al-Hussaini, a member of the two-time UAAP champion squad Ateneo Blue Eagles and former stalwart of the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas men's basketball team.

The 6-foot-7 Al-Hussaini, easily the best big man in the 2010-2011 rookie cast, is expected to be picked first by the Express, owner of three first-round picks. "We really need a big man, that's why the most logical choice is obviously Al-Hussaini, who is the best big man in the lot," said Guiao, who coached the all-pro Powerade-Pilipinas men's basketball team that placed eighth in the 2009 FIBA Asia Men's Basketball Championship in Tianjin, China. Curiously, Guiao wanted to include Al-Hussaini to his all-pro squad last year, but the young cager still has a commitment both with Smart-Gilas and Ateneo. And with the Express losing one of their frontliners –Doug Kramer, who was traded to Rain or Shine Elasto Painters for guard Marcy Arellano – Guiao is set to name Al-Hussaini his top overall pick and might use the two other first-round choices to tap additional big man in the draft. "I might get players who are playing No. 3 and No .4 positions," said Guiao. The fiery mentor expressed optimism on his team's chances this season, this after getting assurance from his new bosses, board governor Johan Ramos and team manager Allan Gregorio, that they will not make more changes in the lineup. "They were supportive," said Guiao on his new bosses. "I requested them to keep our team intact and not make more player movements." The Express failed to advance past the elimination round in both conferences this season, but Guiao attributed it to a number of factors. "We ran into a series of problems. First, the Japeth Aguilar incident. Second, Wynne Arboleda's suspension, and third, our failure to get a good import," said Guiao. "But I like our chances in the coming season. We have a solid local lineup that can compete even against the most formidable squads in the PBA," added Guiao. The Express will be led by Arboleda, who was reinstated in the latter portion of the Fiesta Conference after serving almost a season-long suspension for mauling a heckling fan. The other key players in the squad include promising shooting guard Ronjay Buenafe, center/forward Billy Mamaril, former top overall rookie pick Rich Alvarez, deadly gunner Ren-Ren Ritualo, incoming sophomore Ronnie Matias and forward Leo Najorda. - JVP, GMANews.TV