Air 21 set to acquire Noy Baclao, Rob Reyes, KG Canaleta, Leo Najorda

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

The Air 21 Express are embarking on a massive offseason buildup and are on the verge of trading for four players expected to bolster their frontline.

Express coach Franz Pumaren told InterAKTV that the team is set to acquire Petron frontliners Noy Baclao and Rob Reyes, Ginebra forward KG Canaleta, and Barako Bull wingman Leo Najorda.

“At least we got our wish to beef up our frontline,” said Pumaren, who is still on the lookout for a point guard to strengthen the Express backcourt.

Pumaren did not divulge additional details about the deal, which is expected to be finalized Friday.

Last month, shortly after returning to the team, Air 21 official Lito Alvarez had hinted about a blockbuster deal in the works.

Baclao was the top overall pick in the 2010 draft, while Reyes blossomed at Petron last season. Curiously, the former Ateneo forward began his career in an Air 21 uniform, before the franchise was renamed Barako Bull last year.

Canaleta, a key shooter off the bench for Ginebra who won his fifth slam dunk title last year, also was an original draftee of the old Air 21 franchise, while Najorda also spent time with that team.

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