"The coaching staff says Anthony Washington is really strong but he’s more of a wing man rather than a player who can post up. We’re already filled with three players (small forward) and what we’re looking for is a legitimate center," said Air21 board representative and team manager Lito Alvarez.
Alvarez said he’ll initiate the trade deal upon the return of Talk n Text team manager Frankie Lim from his import-hunting trip in the United States.
The Air21 management is now looking to reacquire De Ocampo from Talk n Text following failed attempts to get Romel Adducul from Barangay Ginebra and Billy Mamaril from Coca-Cola. Incidentally, the Express also used Washington as a trade bait in deals with Ginebra and Coca-Cola.
The Express hoped they can strike a deal with the Phone Pals since there are reports that TnT team owner Manny Pangilinan wants to have Washington in his team.
Talk n Text acquired De Ocampo from Air21 at the start of the 2004 season. Curiously, coach Joel Banal used the 6-foot-8 behemoth sparingly in the recent Fiesta Cup where they placed second behind the San Miguel Beermen.
If the trade is sealed, Air21 would feature brothers Yancy and Ranidel de Ocampo at front court. The two used to play together at St. Francis in the collegiate league.
Before his transfer to Talk n Text, Yancy was part of Air21’s core group, including veteran players Jerry Codiñera, Vergel Meneses, Dindo Pumaren. He was the top draft pick in 2002.
At Talk n Text, De Ocampo played back-up to Asi Taulava. He has just returned from a "Big Man’s" camp in the US.
Another player apparently on Pangilinan’s wish list is former Ateneo standout Larry Fonacier, who was picked by Red Bull in the recent draft.
The Talk n Text management has already informed Red Bull of its intention to sign up the 6-foot-2 gunner although he’s still recuperating from an injury.
However, Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao seems inclined on keeping Fonacier.