Souped-up Meralco starts EASL campaign

Sports

THE Meralco Bolts gun for an electrifying start when they open their campaign in the East Asia Super League against the Ryukyu Golden Kings on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Okinawa Suntory Arena.

The Bolts are red-hot, scoring three straight wins in the 50th PBA Philippine Cup before embarking on their EASL campaign.

Meralco has gotten a much-needed firepower as it will be reinforced by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the do-it-all import who powered the TNT Tropang Giga to two championships in the PBA last season.

The Bolts have actually tapped Justin Brownee for its EASL campaign but the resident import of the Barangay Ginebra Kings have yet to join the squad.

In its desire to finally make it to the Final 4, the Bolts have also tapped big man Ismael Romero to reinforce the duo of Brandon Bates and Raymond Almazan. The 6-foot-7 Romero is part of the Puerto Rican national team.

Chris Newsome and CJ Cansino will lead Meralco’s able local crew that will also feature Aaron Black, Chris Banchero, Allein Maliksi, and Bong Quinto.

Meralco is facing a Ryukyu squad that got off to a rough start.

The Golden Kings struggled mightily in their first outing and lost to the Taoyuan Pilots, 80-94.(CCM)