Since 2016, Meralco and Ginebra have forged a rivalry of sorts, with the former usually being shoved on the losing end of the story. Will it change now?
As Meralco marches on to the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup semifinals following a sweep of its playoff series with NLEX, all eyes will be on stars like Allein Maliksi, Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge and Bong Quinto.
But fans should not forget about Brandon Bates, said Bolts coach Luigi Trillo.
Trillo believes that the 6-foot-9 center will be crucial in Meralco's showdown against Ginebra which boasts of twin towers Japeth Aguilar and Christian Standhardinger.
Brandon Bates in action during Meralco's elimination round match against Blackwater. | Photo (c) PBA
[WATCH: PBA Player of the Game Highlights: Christian Standhardinger drops season-high 36 points as Ginebra smothers Magnolia in 'Manila Clasico']
“I think we really need him (Bates) against Ginebra. You see what Standhardinger has been doing. You have Japeth there,” said Trillo of Bates in the aftermath of the Bolts’ 100-81 series-clinching win over NLEX on Sunday, May 12.
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Indeed, the Bolts would need someone of Bates’ build to back up Raymond Almazan inside the shaded area in what is expected to be a cutthroat best-of-seven encounter against the Gin Kings.
In nearly 20 minutes of play against the Road Warriors in Game 2, the 2023 Draft No. 8 pick collared seven rebounds and swatted three blocks while logging two points as he nailed his lone field goal. But there is more to the bruiser than meets the eye.
“Brandon does a lot of the dirty work. He is a great pickup for us. A character guy all the way. He’s learning. He has the vets to take care of him,” Trillo said.
Banchero, recognized as the Player of the Game in Meralco's semis-clinching win, feels Bates will be a key piece for the Bolts for the years to come.
[WATCH: PBA Player of the Game Highlights: Chris Banchero catches fire in fourth quarter as Meralco sees off NLEX, enters semis]
“[He’s crucial] not just for the Ginebra [game] but for the years to come. He’s going to be an important piece for our team,” said Banchero, who topscored for Meralco with 23 points he laced with seven rebounds and six assists.