The Meralco Bolts gave now-San Miguel icon Chris Ross the chance to shine in the PBA.
Minutes before the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup Finals press conference commenced, San Miguel ace Chris Ross went straight to Meralco’s table and gave each Bolt a dap.
That included Cliff Hodge, who was Ross' rookie when he was still donning the Meralco threads more than a decade ago.
Ross was picked third overall by Coca Cola in the 2009 draft before being traded to Sta. Lucia, whose franchise was bought by the Bolts in 2010.
The Beermen playing assistant coach tipped his hat off to Meralco which gave him the chance to shine in his three-year stay with the team.
Chris Ross goes for a jumper during San Miguel's Game 2 semifinal tiff against Rain or Shine last May 19. | Photo (c) PBA
“I actually played in Meralco's first game in the PBA. So, it's kind of a full-circle moment for me. Cliff was my rookie, and Reynel Hugnatan was my teammate, he's on the coaching staff now,” said Ross during the presser for the finals at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Ortigas on Monday, June 3.
“Some of the coaches are gone, but the ball boys are still there. So, it's kind of a proud moment for me that they were able to reach this. They've come a long way.”
[ALSO READ: PBA: Idle San Miguel hopes to shake off rust as it tangles with PH Cup first-time finalist Meralco in 'great series']
But it was with San Miguel that Ross was really able to spread his wings.
Meralco shipped him to GlobalPort in a trade that had Gary David as centerpiece before the Batang Pier sent him to Petron for Denok Miranda.
Success followed later.
The cat-quick guard, known more for his defense, has now won 10 championships in a career also laced with two Finals Most Valuable Player plums.
[ALSO READ: PBA schedule: San Miguel, Meralco figure in Philippine Cup title showdown]
But make no mistake about it.
While Ross owes Meralco a great deal for kicking off his illustrious pro career, Ross is not about to go easy on the Bolts as he eyes the 11th addition to his silverware.
“I know what it means to them. It’s a cool feeling. They gave me a chance to show that I can play in the PBA. I’m forever grateful for them, but I’m happy where I’m in now. I’m ready to compete,” he said.
[ALSO READ: PBA: After winning his 10th championship, San Miguel star Chris Ross doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon]
The best-of-seven finale begins on Wednesday, June 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.