July 01, 2024

Meralco's Chris Newsome joins Jeremy Lin, other former NBA player in elite club in EASL

Meralco
Facebook/East Asia Super League

Meralco Bolts star Chris Newsome has been producing awesome across-the-board numbers since his rookie season in the PBA eight years ago.

That he only became an All-Star last year is more baffling than a murder mystery book written in Latin. But hey, talent is undeniable. The high-flying guard is finally getting the love that he deserves.

On Monday, the East Asia Super League (EASL) announced its Team of the Week for Week 1 of December. And yes, Newsome was part of the elite five, filling in the small forward position.

Joining that group is no small feat, as he’s in the same company as two former NBA players. One of which is the man behind the Linsanity phenomenon, Jeremy Lin of the New Taipei Kings. The other is Bolts import Zach Lofton, who once suited up for the Detroit Pistons. 

ALSO READ: Poy Erram has fiery comment for Jeremy Lin after New Taipei defeated Meralco in EASL

 

New Taipei and Meralco clashed last November 29 in the former’s home floor. The Kings won that encounter, 97-92, with Lin posting 25 points, four rebounds, and seven assists. Newsome, meanwhile, finished with 16 points, six boards, and four dimes. 

Lofton had a game-high 35 markers for the Bolts.

Lin and the Kings are currently 2-0 in Group B, while Newsome and the Bolts remain winless at 0-2.

Meralco’s next EASL game will take place on December 13 against the Ryukyu Golden Kings in a rematch. It’ll be a chance for the Bolts to avenge a 28-point shellacking from the reigning Japan B.League champions, which feature former Meralco import Allen Durham and Gilas Pilipinas forward Carl Tamayo.

ALSO READ: Meralco surprisingly meets two-time PBA Best Player of the Conference in EASL

Perhaps Newsome’s latest accomplishment will propel him to lead the Bolts to a better showing.

(PM)