Ginebra beefs up backcourt, acquires Cortez for Mamaril

MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra infused yesterday new blood into its aging backcourt with the acquisition of Mike Cortez from Air21 in exchange for reserve frontcourt player Billy Mamaril.

The Kings got the services of Cortez in time for their crucial tiff with the Coca-Cola Tigers at 6:30 p.m. today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Ginebra is hoping Cortez will provide the spark and energy which the team needs with Jayjay Helterbrand nursing a recurring injury.

Air21 agreed to part ways with the prized pointguard from La Salle since Wynne Arboleda has returned and new import LeRoy Hickerson also has the ability to orchestrate plays.

“We’re overcrowded at the backcourt but undermanned at the frontcourt. That’s the simple reason we agreed on this trade,” said Air21 governor and team manager Lito Alvarez.

Cortez, the 2003 PBA top draft pick who made the mythical second team in 2004 and 2005, is joining his fourth team after Alaska, San Miguel and Air21.

Mamaril, a second-generation player being the son of retired PBA player Romulo, is hooking up with his fifth team after Purefoods, Shell, Coca-Cola and Ginebra.

The 6-foot-6 center-forward from Bakersfield College, chosen No. 6 in the 2003 draft, debuts with Air21 Friday versus the Sta. Lucia Realtors.