The replacement import looked like a keeper.
The Meralco Bots originally wanted Feron Hunt to be their reinforcement for the Commissioner’s Cup in Season 48 of the PBA. However, a pocket tournament in preparation for the season-opening conference changed all that. Now, the Bolts are parading Nigerian import Suleiman Braimoh and it looks like they made the right choice.
On Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena, Meralco opened up its Commissioner’s Cup campaign with a hard-fought 107-102 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Guess who came up big for the Luigi Trillio-mentored squad. Of course, it’s none other than Braimoh. The 6-foot-8 forward messed around tallied a monster stat line of 34 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks.
After the game, the 34-year-old cager out of Rice University in the US bared the mindset he has while suiting up for the Bolts.
“It’s a challenge but I’m looking forward to a good season,” Braimoh said as quoted by the PBA’s official website.
Well, he aced the first challenge and Merlaco’s headmaster is unsurprisingly impressed. According to Trillo, his import is a special talent in more ways than one.
“Su leads by example. He’s a great character guy and he’s not just coachable but a leader (as well),” Coach Luigi claimed.
The Bolts failed to make the playoffs in Commissioner’s Cup last season. This time, they’re clearly out for redemption. Should Braimoh and his teammates continue to click, they might just accomplish what they’ve set out to do.
This Saturday, Meralco will aspire for back-to-back wins as it takes on Blackwater Bossing.
(CF)