The Phone Pals, reinforcing their lineup in preparation for the playoffs starting in January, also got back guard Leo Avenido in exchange for rookies Mark Andaya and Abe Santos plus two future draft rights.
"I’ve lost an inside threat and in return got tall role players. Medyo nabawasan kami ng offensive weapon. Defensively, kaya pa iyan nila Mark Telan and Homer Se," said Air21 coach Bo Perasol.
De Ocampo, the 2002 No. 1 overall pick by Air21, was traded to Talk n Text in 2004 before being traded back to Air21 in 2005. He has been averaging nearly in double-double (points and rebounds) this season with the Express. — Nelson Beltran