Arboleda, last week, began a signature drive where he sought the support of all team captains so he could play again in the ongoing Fiesa Conference, which opened on Sunday.
Kerby Raymundo of Derby Ace and Barako Coffee’s Aries Dimaunahan were the latest signatories to Arboleda’s appeal joining Olsen Racela (San Miguel), Jeff Cariaso (Alaska), Marlou Aquino (Sta. Lucia), Eddie Laure (Rain or Shine), Eric Menk (Ginebra), Carlo Sharma (Air21, assistant), Jimmy Alapag (Talk ‘N Text) and Asi Taulava (Coca-Cola) who already signed the letter.
"I want to thank my fellow team captains for showing their support," Arboleda told GMANews.TV.
Arboleda, the Air21 team captain, also made a separate letter to Smart Gilas Pilipinas team captain Chris Tiu to seek his support since the incident, where the four-time All-Defensive team member got banned, took place during the Express’ (Burger King) game against the RP developmental squad early in the Philippine Cup’s season.
"I made a separate letter for (Tiu). That’s why I haven’t passed my letter of appeal to PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios," said Arboleda in a telephone interview.
The Kalibo, Aklan-native Arboleda was slapped a season-long ban after attacking a paying fan, who verbally abused the burly Air21 playmaker.
The 33-year-old Arboleda is included in Air21’s roster for the Fiesta Conference since the PBA prohibits teams to replace a suspended player.
Air21 prepared with or without Arboleda
Air21 coach Yeng Guiao said even without Arboleda they are prepared in their title campaign in the Fiesta Conference.
"If (Arboleda) joins us, that would be much better and it would bolster our chances more. Still, we have to prepare ourselves for the worse," said Guiao.
"One of the biggest reasons for our downfall (in the Philippine Cup) was of course Arboleda’s suspension," Guiao said. "(Arboleda's) absence clearly left a big hole in our point guard rotation. With Mike (Cortez) around, I think we can address that problem."
And with Mike Cortez, Ren-Ren Ritualo, Rich Alvarez and Doug Kramer joining the squad in pre-season trades, Guiao remains upbeat in Air21’s chances in the Fiesta Conference.
The Express got Cortez from San Miguel Beer in exchange for Alex Cabagnot while Ritualo was acquired from Talk ‘N Text in a multi-player deal that also included Yancy De Ocampo, JR Quinahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban.
De Ocampo was later traded to Ginebra in exchange for Alvarez and Kramer.
Guiao said Cortez and Ritualo will give the Express things they lacked in the Philippine Cup.
"Last conference, we didn’t have consistent outside shooting and with Ren-Ren and Mike now with the team, teams will give a second thought of playing zone defense against us," said Guiao.
Hoping to continue winning trend
Guiao is also hoping to keep his winning trend since he always wins a PBA crown in his second season as coach of his new team.
"Historically, every time I’m coaching on a team in my second season, that’s the time I’ve won championships," Guiao said.
"I remember winning my first championship with Swift in 1992. And I also won my first title with Red Bull in 2001. This is my second season with Air21 and I do hope the trend will continue. Realistically, I really like our chances this conference."
David Mikael Taclino
Inyu Web Development and Design
Creative Writer
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