Team to shoot for top right away, signs Daniels for Fiesta Conf.

The PBA Board of Governors finally gave the thumbs up on Linaheim Corp. on its intention to switch team name from Air21 to Burger King next conference.

The Board unanimously gave its approval during their monthly meeting held at the PBA Headquarters in Libis, Quezon City Tuesday.

Board chairman Joaqui Trillo of Alaska said the process will not require any transfer fee. He added documents submitted by Lito Alvarez, Air21's representative to the Board, showed that Bert Lina is the majority owner of Burger King.

"Everything was in order. The documents were reviewed by our legal department. It's all that we wanted," Trillo said.

Alvarez, who is also the league's vice-chairman, said he is now relieved that the issue is over and done with. He said the deed of assignment and shares clearly certifies that the Lina Family owns Air21 and Burger King and the Board acknowledged it.

"We expected this from the very start and we're happy that the Board finally approved our intention to change the teams's name," Alvarez said.

After the league approval of the name change, Alvarez revealed their plan to continue a rebuilding process in an effort to form a real competitive team and make a big impact right in its first year of participation in the pro league.

On Monday, the team had trade deals with Purefoods and Barangay Ginebra, acquiring Beau Belga and Chad Alonzo plus future draft picks in exchange for KG Canaleta, Don Allado, JC Intal and Doug Kramer.

Much earlier, the team signed up Yeng Guiao as their new head coach. Also coming to be part of the staff are Jorge Gallent and Junel Baculi.

"You've not seen the last of our trades. There will still be some movements as we're determined to form a competitive team and aspire for a championship in Burger King's first tournament," said Alvarez.

The team top honcho explained they want Burger King to make an impact right in its initial salvo in the PBA to help create awareness for the product.

Harbour Centre's Mikee Romero is coming in to help the team with a plan of completely taking over at the helm in a year's time.

"We're very transparent. I've been saying before that we'll increase Burger King's presence in the market. To do that, you need capital infusion, and there's where Mikee will come in. That's the direction we're looking at. Once Mikee becomes the majority owner, that's the time we'll pay the transfer fee," said Alvarez.

At present, Burger King has only 23 outlets. Alvarez said they plan to increase it to 60 in three to four years time.

Burger King is partly owned by Talk n Text owner Manny V. Pangilinan. That being the case, Alvarez said they volunteered that Burger King and Talk n Text be considered sister ballclubs with restrictions in trade deals.

Meanwhile, Alvarez revealed that Shawn Daniels is returning for a tour of duty with Burger King in the import-laced Fiesta Conference which kicks off on Feb. 28.

During his two conference stint with the Express, Daniels averaged 19.4 points and 15.1 rebounds. He will hit town on Feb. 15. (DBC/NC)


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