Will they be up for the challenge?
The Meralco Bolts will soon get a litmus test as they make their maiden appearance in the highly competitive East Asia Super League (EASL).
This Wednesday in Okinawa, the shorthanded Bolts will take on the reigning champion of the Japan B.League, the Ryukyu Golden Kings. Meralco has no choice but to gut it out without the services of import Sulaimen Braimoh and key scorer Allein Maliksi.
Due to visa issues, Braimoh, who’s fresh off a 40-point outing in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, will be replaced by Prince Ibeh. Maliksi, meanwhile, is out because of a broken nose.
Despite their manpower issues, Meralco star Cliff Hodge is undeterred. He said he’s excited to face the Golden Kings, who will be spearheaded by former Bolts reinforcement Allen Durham.
“We’re going to play against AD, our old import, and that should be super fun,” Hodge said in an interview with the EASL.
Durham is a three-time PBA Best Import and led Meralco to three finals appearances. They didn’t win it all but no one can take away the bond he formed with Hodge and the rest of the Bolts.
“I’m actually glad that he won the championship in Japan last year. We stay in touch, we’re almost like brothers," added Hodge. “It would be good to see how he’s been doing over there."
Aside from a reunion with Durham, the prospect of facing Ryukyu’s Filipino import Carl Tamayo has also piqued the interest of Meralco, particularly coach Luigi Trillo.
“I’m looking forward to just seeing him (Durham) and giving him a big hug,” Trillo told the EASL. “(Carl) Tamayo, he’ll also be there. So, (I’m) excited to see him and play against him there.”
Tip-off is at 6 p.m. Catch it live on One Sports+.
(PM)