The Meralco Bolts struggled against the Ryukyu Golden Kings without its main import Akil Mitchell.
Meralco’s main import Akil Mitchell was limited to a cheering role as the Bolts bowed to the Ryukyu Golden Kings, 89-71, in the 2024-25 EASL season at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Wednesday, January 22.
Mitchell has been an integral part of the Bolts’ success in the EASL, averaging 25 points and 20 rebounds per game.
The reason for the 6-foot-9 big man’s absence? Head coach Luigi Trillo attributed it to back issues Mitchell experienced before the game.
“Akil is a big part of what we do and it’s unfortunate for us because he plays a lot of minutes in the PBA, so when he comes here in the game, you’re expecting him to man the fort, and his back was hurt,” Trillo said during the post-game press conference.
With the 6-foot-9 big man out, Meralco had to rely on its locals and other imports in DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame.
Unfortunately for the Bolts, Kennedy struggled from the field with just three points on 1-of-8 shooting, while Kouame had a respectable 13 points.
However, this was far from the production done by Ryukyu’s imports in Victor Law, Alex Kirk, and Keve Aluma. The three combined for the Golden King’s 59 points in the win that secured the top spot in Group B and secured their place in the EASL Final Four.
“DJ Kennedy tried to play, but he was also out. In this level where three imports are playing and they dominate, our imports have to be there to help our locals,” Trillo admitted.
The Bolts will have a tough schedule ahead as they prepare for some crucial matches in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
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The 2024 PBA Philippine Cup champions will also have to look ahead to their crucial EASL match against the New Taipei Kings on February 12, which will decide which team makes it to the semifinals.
That’s why for Trillo, it’s all about resting and hoping that Mitchell can recover right away.
“You know, back kasi you can’t really tell, so he’s feeling something and he’s gonna rest,” said Trillo.
“We have seven days before our game but that’s also a problem kasi he needs to get his flow sa practice. We’re in a tough situation because if you practice him, he’ll feel something. I think at this point, you rest him until he doesn’t feel anything and then you work on his endurance in games,” he added.