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Forte fails to change Air21's fortunes, given pink slip

For two games, Air21 tried to change its fortunes by tapping the services of Jason Forte.

Forte's efforts weren't enough and the Express wasted no time to call on the team's third reinforcement this conference - Reggie Larry.

Larry, a former Boise State standout, was supposed to suit up for Derby Ace (Purefoods TJ Giants) in last year's Fiesta Cup, but fractured his hand forcing the Llamados to tap Brian Hamilton.

Hamilton, however, was replaced by Marquin Chandler after a few games.

This time, Larry will get his baptism of fire in the country's premier professional league, which celebrates its 35th anniversary on April 9.

"I come to win," said Larry in a Facebook interview. "I should have been there. I was willing to come over even if I have to pay for my own ticket just to prove to any team that I deserve a spot."

Larry was once named to the CollegeHoops.net's First-Team High-Major All-American.

The Brick City, New Jersey native is no stranger to Philippine basketball since he played for the Brunei Barracudas in the ASEAN Basketball League, which was won by the Philippine Patriots of coach Louie Alas.

"I've worked out in Boise trying to get myself in shape because I know the arenas in the Philippines are like 106 degrees inside," said Larry.

Larry was best remembered for steering the 14th-seed Boise University Broncos to its first Big Dance in the East Region of the US NCAA.

After playing at Barringer High School in Newark, Larry played two years at the College of Southern Idaho, one of the country's top JUCO programs. He landed at Boise State in 2007, averaging 14.1 points and 8.1 rebounds.

In 2008, he set a school record for points in a season, 647, becoming the first Bronco to amass 1,000 career points in just two years.

PBA chairman and Air21 president Lito Alvarez said Larry was even highly-recommended by former Express coach Bong Ramos.

The 6-foot-6, 23-year-old forward will arrive next week in time for the Express' next game after the Philippine Basketball Association All-Star break. Air21 will next face Talk ‘N Text on May 1 at the Astrodome hoping to end a four-game slide. - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV