Meralco is riding on its PBA Philippine Cup title success when it plunges into action in the season-opening Governors’ Cup.
Why fix if it ain’t broke?
This is perhaps what Meralco has pondered on coming into the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
Meralco hardly made changes in its championship lineup for the import-spiced conference.
Months after taking down All-Filipino Cup Kings San Miguel Beermen for their first franchise title, the Bolts are reinforcing their roster with rookie CJ Cansino and returning import Allen Durham.
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The 6-foot-2 Cansino himself is a winner, helping UP win a UAAP title in 2022.
Meanwhile, Durham, a three-time PBA Best Import, has some unfinished business with the Bolts after leading them to the Finals in 2016, 2017, and 2019 but lost each time against playoff rival Ginebra.
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Here’s how the team looks in the upcoming season:
Holdovers:
Aaron Black
Chris Banchero
Cliff Hodge
Chris Newsome
Anjo Caram
Bong Quinto
Raymond Almazan
Allein Maliksi
Alvin Pasaol
Raymar Jose
Jansen Rios
Norbert Torres
Kyle Pascual
Brandon Bates
Jolo Mendoza
New guys:
CJ Cansino
Import:
Allen Durham
Outlook:
Meralco is beaming with confidence following its conquest of the Beermen, and it is only expected to spill over in the new season.
So long as they can handle that post-championship blues well, only good things will follow.
And with the hulking Durham back in the lineup for the Bolts, a finals appearance should be a given.
Perhaps now is the time for Durham and Meralco?
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