Air21 Express
Joined	2002
History	FedEx Express 2002-2005 Air21 Express 2005-present
Team colors	Indigo and white
Company	Airfrieght 2100, Inc.
Head coach	Bo Perasol
Championships	none
Uniforms     Light uniform     Dark uniform

The Air21 Express (formerly FedEx Express) is a Philippine Basketball Association team. Image File history File links Air21_Express. ... The 2002 PBA season was the twenty-eighth season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... Dolreich Bo Perasol is a Filipino professional basketball head coach of the Air21 Express in the Philippine Basketball Association. ... The Philippine Basketball Association awards a championship trophy (or cup) to the winning team at the end of each conference (tournament). ... Image File history File links Kit_body_basketball. ... body of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Kit_body_basketball. ... body of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... For other uses of PBA, see PBA. The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is a professional basketball league in the Philippines founded in 1975. ...

Air21 is owned by Airfreight 2100, a subsidiary of the Lina Group of Companies, owners of the defunct Laguna Lakers of the Metropolitan Basketball Association. The franchise bought the former Tanduay team after the 2001 season. The Laguna Lakers (or the FedEx-Laguna Lakers) was a former professional basketball team in the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association from 1998-2001. ... The Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) or Metroball was a professional basketball league in the Philippines founded in 1998. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ...

History

Tanduay Rhum Masters

Main article: Tanduay Rhum Masters

The Tanduay Rhum Masters made its PBA return in the 1999 season, after a 12-year hiatus. This time, the team had a new ownership of Asia Brewery of Lucio Tan's son, Bong (The Tanduay team in the 1970's and 80's was owned by the great Elizalde family). After a runner-up finish in the 1999 All-Filipino Conference, the Rhum Masters failed to advanced the finals since. To add insult, the deportation of alleged fil-sham Sonny Alvarado and the indefinite suspensions of Eric Menk and Rudy Hatfield (due to lack of documents to prove themselves as a legitimate Fil-American), the management became frustrated. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the year. ... Asia Brewery, is a maker of drink products in the Philippines, and is the second largest brewery in the country. ... Taipan Lucio Tan Lucio Tan (born July 17, 1934) is a prominent Filipino business magnate. ...

After the 2001 season, the firesale began as Tanduay traded Dondon Hontiveros to San Miguel, Jeffrey Cariaso to the new Coca Cola franchise and Menk to Barangay Ginebra. After this, Tanduay sold its franchise of the Bert Lina and the local franchisee of FedEx for a reported sum of PHP 60-75 million. The San Miguel Beermen (SMB) is a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team. ... The Coca-Cola Tigers is a professional team of the Philippine Basketball Association founded in 2002, when San Miguel Corporation-owned Coca Cola Bottlers Philippines bought the old RFM-owned Cosmos Bottling Corporation. ... The Barangay Ginebra Kings is a professional team of the Philippine Basketball Association founded in 1979. ... FedEx (NYSE: FDX), whose full corporate name is FedEx Corporation, is a cargo airline, printing, and courier company offering overnight courier, ground, heavy freight, document copying and logistics services. ... ISO 4217 Code PHP User(s) Philippines Inflation 2. ...

Technically, the old Tanduay franchise and the current Air21 team's lineage were pulled apart as did most of the other PBA teams (Tanduay/Purefoods, Crispa/Shell, et al.).

Laguna Lakers

Main article: Laguna Lakers

In 1998, the Metropolitan Basketball Association was formed as a professional regional basketball league. The Laguna Lakers was one of the 12 original teams in the league with Lina and FedEx owning it. The Laguna Lakers (or the FedEx-Laguna Lakers) was a former professional basketball team in the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association from 1998-2001. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... The Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) or Metroball was a professional basketball league in the Philippines founded in 1998. ... Laguna may refer to more than one article: Laguna, a Philipine province; Laguna, Santa Catarina, a city located in southern Brazil; Laguna de Cameros, a municipality in La Rioja, Spain San Cristóbal de La Laguna (also La Laguna), a municipality in the island of Tenerife, province of Santa Cruz...

The Lakers failed to enter the finals in both the 1998 and 1999 seasons. Laguna also added Fil-Americans Rudy Hatfield, Jeff Flowers and Cris Clay to their roster. Biboy Simon, future Air21 point guard Wynne Arboleda and Jovy Sese also played for the Lakers, Simon was known for his 54 point outing during an MBA game. This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

In 2000, the Lakers advanced to the finals of the special Intra-Conference tournament but lost to the San Juan Knights. In 2001, they also failed to advanced to the National championship. Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... The City of San Juan (Filipino: Lungsod ng San Juan) is a city in Metro Manila in the Philippines. ...

After the sale of Tanduay to FedEx, the Lakers abandoned the league to concentrate on their PBA stint.

There is absolutely no lineage between the Laguna Lakers' MBA franchise and the current PBA franchise despite having the same owners.

2002-2005: FedEx Express

After the purchase, they named the team as the FedEx Express. The Express monicker was used as a reference to their company's role in fast-paced delivery.

In the 2002 PBA Draft, the Express hold the first overall pick in the draft. Initially, the FedEx expressed its desire to draft MBA star Rommel Adducul, but his MBA team the Batangas Blades deny Adducul's request of a release. With this, FedEx nabbed St Francis of Assisi center Yancy de Ocampo as the first pick in the draft. Also in the first round, the Express landed De La Salle University star Renren Ritualo with the eight pick. Jerry Codinera was also added to the team along with a few holdovers from Tanduay. Also see: 2002 (number). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Website www. ...

Many amateur and commercial league champion coach Derrick Pumaren was named as the first head coach of the FedEx team. He was the last coach of the Tanduay franchise in the PBA before it was absorbed by FedEx.

Former Tanduay forward Bong Hawkins was among those absorbed by the FedEx franchise in 2002. However, a controversy sparked Hawkins and FedEx management. The former Perpetual Help standout wanted to have the same terms of the salary he held with Tanduay while FedEx management was basing the contract on a written one. In the end, Hawkins eventually joined Coca-Cola in 2003. Also see: 2002 (number). ... The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD), a private, non-sectarian, Filipino collegiate institute located in Las Pinas City, was founded in 1975 by Dr. Antonio Tamayo, Dr. Daisy Tamayo, and Ernesto Crisostomo as Perpetual Help College of Rizal (PHCR). ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

FedEx's first-ever match was an opening game against the Coca Cola Tigers which they lost. At that time, Ritualo was loaned the RP National pool. The Express also added Bong Alvarez in the lineup. along with Jermaine Walker as one of the imports. The Express made it to the quarterfinals of the Governors Cup but was quickly eliminated. In the Commissioners Cup, Ritualo made his much-awaited debut with FedEx but the Express once again failed to enter past the semis. Alvarez left the team for the Talk N' Text Phone Pals, but acquired the services of Vergel Meneses from Barangay Ginebra. In the All-Filipino, FedEx failed to enter the quarterfinals of the tournament. The Coca-Cola Tigers is a professional team of the Philippine Basketball Association founded in 2002, when San Miguel Corporation-owned Coca Cola Bottlers Philippines bought the old RFM-owned Cosmos Bottling Corporation. ... The Talk N Text Phone Pals is a Philippine Basketball Association team. ... The Barangay Ginebra Kings is a professional team of the Philippine Basketball Association founded in 1979. ...

Ritualo was named as the Rookie of the Year after the season, to spark a promising future for the team.

In 2003, the Express nabbed former MBA MVP John Ferriols in the draft. The Express finished with an impressive second place finish in the elimination round of the All-Filipino Cup. In the quarterfinals, the Express failed to enter the semis after finishing in last place of the single-round robin quarterfinals phase. Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) or Metroball was a professional basketball league in the Philippines founded in 1998. ...

Their performance in the All-Filipino, earned the team an early entry to the PBA Invitational tournament. The Express placed third in the special tournament, earning the team its first trophy in the league.

In the Reinforced Conference, the Express bannered Terrence Shannon as import. However, in the opening round they were eliminated by San Miguel. During the said tournament, Pumaren was fired and was replaced by former Lakers coach Bonnie Garcia. The San Miguel Beermen (SMB) is a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team. ...

During the 2004 PBA Draft, FedEx nabbed three picks in the first round with Marc Pingris, Ranidel de Ocampo and Wesley Gonzales. In the Fiesta Conference, the Express ended up in ninth place and was eliminated by the Talk N' Text Phone Pals in the Wild-Card phase. A coaching change also happened when Garcial was replaced by legendary coach Joe Lipa. Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The 2004 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft is a Philippine Basketball Association event, which will allows teams to draft players from the amateur ranks. ... The Talk N Text Phone Pals is a Philippine Basketball Association team. ...

Meneses was shipped to Red Bull Barako during the offseason for Homer Se and a draft pick. Red Bull Barako is a professional team of the Philippine Basketball Association which entered the league in 2000. ...

In the 2004-2005 Philippine Cup, the Express once again finished fourth in the classification phase and was eliminated early by the Alaska Aces. Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the ice hockey team, see Alaska Aces. ...

Lipa resigned after the tournament and was replaced by former Indonesian national team mentor Bong Ramos (a Filipino). They also fielded former NBA veteran Oliver "Pig" Miller for the Fiesta Conference. “NBA” redirects here. ...

The Express finished fifth in the classification phase. It was highlighted by Renren Ritualo's eight three pointers in a quarter during a game. However, in the Wild-Card phase, they were eliminated by Purefoods. The Purefoods Chunkee Giants (formerly Purefoods TJ Hotdogs) is a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team. ...

Air21 Express

During the offseason, the Express renamed the team as the Air21 Express, when FedEx left the country. Ramos resigned at season's end, due to his failure to imply the team's policy. However, many believe that there were other reasons for the resignation. FedEx (NYSE: FDX), whose full corporate name is FedEx Corporation, is a cargo airline, printing, and courier company offering overnight courier, ground, heavy freight, document copying and logistics services. ...

Former Laguna Lakers head coach Bo Perasol was named as the replacement. Air21 had three picks in the first round. They nabbed PBL star Anthony Washington as the first pick and De La Salle University star Mark Cardona as the fifth pick overall. But, the Express traded Washington and Cardona in separate deals to Talk 'N Text for Yancy de Ocampo and Patrick Fran, respectively, amid criticisms by various people. The other pick went to University of the East star Niño Canaleta. Website www. ... Mark Macmac Cardona is a Filipino professional basketball player currently playing for the Talk N Text Phone Pals Team in the Philippine Basketball Association. ... The University of the East Manila Campus (UE, UE-Manila or UE Main Campus) is a private nonsectarian university located in University Belt Area, district of Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. ...

But Air21 made a strong showing in the 2005-2006 Fiesta Conference. With Perasol as coach and bulky import Shawn Daniels at the helm, the Express surprised everyone with several upsets against Talk 'N Text and San Miguel to finish fourth in the classification phase. Air21 eliminated San Miguel in the wildcard phase and upset the Phone Pals in a five-game quarterfinals affair. However, in six games they were eliminated by Purefoods in the semi-finals. At the end of the conference, Air21 defeated the Barangay Ginebra Kings to capture third place in the tournament. PBAs 31st season logo. ... The Barangay Ginebra Kings is a professional team of the Philippine Basketball Association founded in 1979. ...

In the Philippine Cup, the Express acquired Mark Telan from the Talk N' Text Phone Pals for John Ferriols. On May 8, the team traded its franchise player Ritualo to the Talk 'N Text Phone Pals for Leo Avenido and two future first round picks. Some basketball fans see this trade as another rebuilding mode for the team while others speculate about a potential cost-cutting for the Express for its impending disbandment although there is no accuracy of this possibility. The Talk N Text Phone Pals is a Philippine Basketball Association team. ...

However, since the Ritualo trade, the Express went 3-1 the rest of the classification phase to finish with a 7-9 record. The surge saw the improvement of Air21 rookie Canaleta, who had multiple 30-point games during the streak. However, the Express failed to beat the Coca-Cola Tigers in a one game playoff for the third outright quarterfinals berth. The loss relegated Air21 in a round-robin wildcard phase. In the deciding game, Ginebra beat the Express, 118-114 in overtime, to eliminate them from contention.

2006-07 season

In the offseason, the Express acquired Aries Dimaunahan and Ervin Sotto from the Ginebra as part of a huge three-team trade along with the Coca-Cola Tigers. In the 2006 PBA Draft, Air21 selected Arwind Santos of the FEU Tamaraws and the PBL's Magnolia Ice Cream with the second overall pick. Stephen Padilla and Bruce Dacia's contract were not renewed by the team. The 2006 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft is a Philippine Basketball Association event, which will allows teams to draft players from the amateur ranks. ... Arwind Santos (born July 19, 1981 in Angeles, Pampanga is a Filipino basketball player, playing for Far Eastern University in the UAAP and the Magnolia Ice Cream Spinners in the Philippine Basketball League. ... League UAAP Joined 1938 Founding member of the NCAA on 1924 Seniors general championships UAAP: 16 (1947-48, 1948-49, 1949-50, 1950-51, 1951-52, 1952-53, 1953-54, 1954-55, 1955-56, 1956-57, 1957-58, 1959-60, 1968-69, 1973-74, 1981-82) Juniors general championships UAAP...

After a so-so performance at the Philippine Cup, the Express eked out a 7-11 record, good enough for a return trip to the wildcard phase. Needing to sweep all of the games in order to force a playoff for a quarterfinal berth, the Express defeated all wildcard teams. In the elimination game against Sta. Lucia, the Express came up short as they were beaten 121-118 via overtime.

Before the start of the wildcard phase, Air21 sent Yancy de Ocampo and Leo Avenido to Talk N Text for rookies Mark Andaya and Abby Santos plus future draft picks.

Air21 had talks with former Senator and the PBA's Living Legend Robert Jaworski to either accept a capacity within the team or as head coach before his beg prior to the start of the Fiesta Conference. Robert “Sonny” Jaworski (born March 8, 1946 in Baguio, Cordillera Administrative Region) is a former Philippine senator and PBA basketball player. ...

Still, the Express finished with a 10-8 record for fifth place in the standings with Shawn Daniels as import. At one point, Air21 was 7-3 before losing five of their last eight games, before beating San Miguel in a one-game playoff for the third outright quarterfinals berth.

The Talk N' Text Phone Pals defeated them in the quarters in a full three-game series, despite the Express' Game 1 victory.

Policies

The Express' management is heavily criticized by ardent PBA fans for having a "policy" which calls for every player on the roster to play every game as part of the company's philosophy.

Former Express head coach Bong Ramos reasoned his failure to imply this system for his resignation. However, many fans and several from the media are thinking otherwise. A resignation is the formal act of giving up ones office or position. ...

Despite the criticized policy, the Express managed to put up a strong showing in the 2005-2006 Fiesta Conference with a third-place, temporarily silencing its critics. Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Air21 is also known for its "All-Filipino" Policy, or fielding in only pure blooded Filipinos on their roster.

Current roster

Pos. No. Player School C 5 Shawn Daniels (I) Utah State G 6 Marvin Cruz (DP) State F 7 JC Intal (DP) Ateneo de Manila F 9 Niño Canaleta East F 18 Doug Kramer (DP) Ateneo de Manila G 19 Wynne Arboleda (C) Manuel L. Quezon G 20 Gary David Lyceum F 29 Arwind Santos Far Eastern F 33 Ranidel de Ocampo (L) St. Francis G 88 Aries Dimaunahan Santo Tomas F 99 Homer Se San Sebastian-Recoletos Position Name Head coach:  Bo Perasol Assistants: Allan Gregorio, Ricky Dandan, Jerry Codiñera (C) - Captain, (DP) - Draft pick, (L) - On loan to national team Air21 Express

This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Utah State Universitys main campus is located in Logan, Utah. ... Sara Giauro shoots a three-point shot, FIBA Europe Cup for Women Finals 2005 For other uses, see Basketball (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... The Oblation UP Diliman, the flagship campus of the U.P. System UP Baguio UP Extension Program in Pampanga Temporary Campus UP Los Baños UP Manila This article is about the University of the Philippines System. ... In the context of basketball, forward usually refers to one of two positions: Power forward Small forward In addition, some basketball players share the attributes of a small forward and a point guard, and are accordingly called point forwards. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Ateneo de Manila University (also called Ateneo de Manila or simply the Ateneo) is a private university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. ... In the context of basketball, forward usually refers to one of two positions: Power forward Small forward In addition, some basketball players share the attributes of a small forward and a point guard, and are accordingly called point forwards. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... Rommel Niño Canaleta (born February 12, 1982 in Tarlac, Philippines) is a Filipino professional basketball player of Filipino-American descent. ... The University of the East Manila Campus (UE, UE-Manila or UE Main Campus) is a private nonsectarian university located in University Belt Area, district of Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. ... In the context of basketball, forward usually refers to one of two positions: Power forward Small forward In addition, some basketball players share the attributes of a small forward and a point guard, and are accordingly called point forwards. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... The Ateneo de Manila University (also called Ateneo de Manila or simply the Ateneo) is a private university run by the Society of Jesus in the Philippines. ... Sara Giauro shoots a three-point shot, FIBA Europe Cup for Women Finals 2005 For other uses, see Basketball (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... The Manuel L. Quezon University(MLQU) is a non-sectarian, co-educational private institution of learning located in Hidalgo St. ... Sara Giauro shoots a three-point shot, FIBA Europe Cup for Women Finals 2005 For other uses, see Basketball (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... The Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) is an institute of higher education located in Intramuros, Manila. ... In the context of basketball, forward usually refers to one of two positions: Power forward Small forward In addition, some basketball players share the attributes of a small forward and a point guard, and are accordingly called point forwards. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... Arwind Santos (born July 19, 1981 in Angeles, Pampanga is a Filipino basketball player, playing for Far Eastern University in the UAAP and the Magnolia Ice Cream Spinners in the Philippine Basketball League. ... Far Eastern University (FEU) (PSE: FEU) in the City of Manila, West Sampaloc, University Belt area is a nonsectarian, private university in the Philippines. ... In the context of basketball, forward usually refers to one of two positions: Power forward Small forward In addition, some basketball players share the attributes of a small forward and a point guard, and are accordingly called point forwards. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Sara Giauro shoots a three-point shot, FIBA Europe Cup for Women Finals 2005 For other uses, see Basketball (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines (or simply the University of Santo Tomas, UST or affectionately, Ustê), is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. ... In the context of basketball, forward usually refers to one of two positions: Power forward Small forward In addition, some basketball players share the attributes of a small forward and a point guard, and are accordingly called point forwards. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... San Sebastian College - Recoletos de Manila (SSC-R) or Colegio de San Sebastian - Recoletos de Manila, is a Catholic institution of higher learning recognized by the Philippine Government. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... Dolreich Bo Perasol is a Filipino professional basketball head coach of the Air21 Express in the Philippine Basketball Association. ... Jerry Condiñera is a former player of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). ...

Players of note

PBA's 25th anniversary all-time team

• Jerry Codiñera - played for FedEx from 2002-2005
• Vergel Meneses - played for FedEx from 2002-2004

The Philippine Basketball Association’s 25 greatest players were named at the league’s silver anniversary in 2000. ... Vergel Meneses, nicknamed The Aerial Voyager, is a Filipino professional basketball player for the Talk N Text Phone Pals in the Philippine Basketball Association. ...

Other notable players

• Bong Alvarez - played for FedEx in 2002
• Yancy de Ocampo - played for FedEx/Air21 franchise from 2002-2003, 2005-2006; team's first-ever draft choice and had two stints with the team.
• Dindo Pumaren - played his last PBA season with FedEx in 2002
• Ren-Ren Ritualo - played for FedEx/Air21 franchise from 2002-2006; currently holds almost every team records such as total points

Florendo Ritualo Jr. ...

Imports

• Shawn Daniels - led Air21 to a third-place finish in the 2005-06 Fiesta Conference
• Alvin Jefferson - known for breaking the Araneta Coliseum backboard in a preseason game but played only two games in the 2004 Fiesta Conference
• Franz Pierre-Louis - played for FedEx in the 2002 Commissioners Cup
• Anthony 'Pig' Miller - played for FedEx in the 2005 Fiesta Conference
• Roderick Rhodes - one of the first two imports in team history
• Geremy Robinson - played as a replacement import for one game
• Terrence Shannon - played for FedEx in the 2003 Reinforced Conference
• Jermaine Walker - played for FedEx in the 2002 season

Coaches

• Derrick Pumaren (2002-2003)
• Bonnie Garcia (2003-2004)
• Joe Lipa (2004-2005)
• Bong Ramos (2005)
• Bo Perasol (2005-Present)

External links

• Official Website