“The Untold Story of Air21’s 2007–2008 PBA Fiesta Conference Finals Run”
The Air21 Express’ remarkable run to the 2007–2008 PBA Fiesta Conference Finals wasn’t a fluke — it was the result of years of patient team building, bold trades, and heartbreak-filled seasons that molded a competitive core. From relying on draft picks to making smart roster moves, this was a journey of perseverance for a franchise that came so close to glory.
2004–2005 Season: Planting the Seeds
Fresh from finishing sixth overall and earning a third-place result in the Invitational Conference, the Air21 Express entered the 2004–2005 season hoping to build on their momentum. The franchise used its three first-round draft picks to select Marc Pingris (3rd), Ranidel De Ocampo (4th), and Wesley Gonzales (9th) — a trio meant to infuse young blood and potential into the team. Despite the additions, the results didn’t come. The Express struggled across three tournaments, failing to advance beyond the wildcard round and finishing with a disappointing 16–24 record (9th overall). Yet even in defeat, a silver lining emerged when Air21 acquired shooting guard Gary David from Coca‑Cola during the Fiesta Conference — a pivotal piece in the making of their future runner‑up squad.
2005–2006 Season: New Faces, New Identity
In the Fiesta Conference, the Express finished fifth and entered the wildcard round, defeating the San Miguel Beermen in three games. In the quarterfinals, Air21 came from behind in a thrilling five‑game series against Talk ‘N Text, advancing to the semifinals. The run ended there, as the top‑seeded Purefoods defeated the Express in six games, relegating Air21 to a third‑place finish after beating Ginebra. The Philippine Cup that followed was tougher, as the team finished with a 7–9 record and lost a playoff to Coca‑Cola for the final quarterfinal slot. In the wildcard, Air21 won two of three games, but it was not enough, as Ginebra swept the round to eliminate them. The team finished the season with a 26–26 record and a 4th‑place overall ranking.
2006–2007 Season: Adding Arwind Santos
2007–2008 Season: Final Pieces to the Puzzle
Then came the Fiesta Conference. The Express brought in import Steve Thomas, a veteran forward who would prove vital to their campaign. After an up‑and‑down first nine games (5–4), Air21 surged in the second half of the eliminations, going 7–2 and finishing as the top seed for the first time in franchise history (12–6). In the semifinals, the Express overcame the Magnolia Beverage Masters — dropping the first game due to rust, then rallying to win four of the next five, including a 99–91 victory in Game 6, to book their first‑ever finals berth.
The 2007–2008 Fiesta Conference Finals: Against All Odds
The Finals pitted the Air21 Express against the veteran Barangay Ginebra Kings, a team that had started the conference with a 2–7 record but clawed its way to the playoffs and beyond. The series was a classic.
Ginebra claimed Game 1, exploiting Air21’s inexperience with a 105–96 win. The Express responded by dominating Game 2 (124–90) and Game 3 (97–87) to take a 2–1 lead. Ginebra tightened its defense in Game 4, holding Air21 to 77 points and tying the series. In a gritty Game 5, Arwind Santos came up with a pivotal steal and lay‑up in the final minute, giving the Express a 76–73 win and putting them within one win of their first PBA championship.
Ginebra refused to surrender. In Game 6, import Chris Alexander put up a monster 37 points and 24 rebounds, capitalizing on Steve Thomas’ foul trouble and forcing a Game 7 decider. In the final quarter of Game 7, Air21 held an 84–83 lead, but Ginebra responded with a devastating 14–0 run to secure the win and claim the franchise’s 8th championship, ending Air21’s dream run.
Aftermath: The End of an Era
Although the Air21 Express came up short, their 2007–2008 campaign was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and smart team building. In the following years, the franchise’s core was dismantled piece by piece. Ranidel De Ocampo was shipped to Talk ‘N Text, where he became a multi‑title winner. Arwind Santos was traded to San Miguel, achieving both team and individual accolades. Gary David returned to Coca‑Cola and became one of the best scorers in the league, while Nino Canaleta found a championship with Purefoods. Without its foundation, the franchise fell from grace and was eventually sold to Phoenix Petroleum, bringing the chapter of the Air21 Express to a close.
The Legacy of the 2007–2008 Air21 Express
While the Air21 Express came up short in their lone Finals appearance, their journey from the depths of the PBA standings to the biggest stage was an inspiring one. Through smart drafts, bold trades, and sheer grit, this team captured the hearts of PBA fans and created a chapter that will always be remembered as one of the league’s best Cinderella stories.
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