Baclao inks 3-year deal with Air 21

SIVERINO "Nonoy" Baclao, the first No. 1 pick in the PBA draft from Bacolod since 1994, signed Tuesday a three-year contract worth 8.5 million with the Air21 Express.

The 6-foot-5 Baclao, who played for West Negros University before moving to Ateneo de Manila University, was surprisingly picked ahead of his Ateneo teammate, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the consensus No. 1 pick among coaches.

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Al-Hussaini also signed a three-year deal similar to Baclao's.

"It's a dream come true playing in the PBA," said Baclao, a veteran of age-group inter-barangay leagues in Bacolod. "I feel so blessed. I'm very happy, but I am also looking forward to proving myself in the PBA."

WNU sports director Tony Agustin, who has supported Baclao since his high school days, expressed high hopes that the Bacolod cager will make a mark in the PBA.

Though he has already signed up with the PBA team, Baclao still intends to earn his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Ateneo.

Baclao, a defensive specialist, was instrumental to Ateneo's back-to-back title runs in 2008 and 2009. Before his stint at Ateneo, Baclao led WNU to the NOPSSCEA high school title in 2003 and helped the Mustangs retain their crown in 2004 and 2005.

He moved to Ateneo in 2006, after the Mustangs collected the University Games crown and the National Inter-Schools Basketball title in Bicol.

The Express' third pick, Rey Guevarra, whose mother hails from Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, was also signed to a three-year contract.

Negrense player Reynel Hugnatan, who plays for Alaska, said he is happy for Baclao.

"I'm proud of him being a fellow Negrense," said Hugnatan, who was picked ninth in the 2003 draft. "But it's going to be different when we play each other."

Baclao is the first No. 1 pick from Bacolod since Noli Locsin was chosen by Ginebra as the top pick in 1994.

Reigning Most Valuable Player James Yap, who hails from Escalante City, was picked second by Purefoods in 2004.