Akil Mitchell is expected to suit up in the Bolts' EASL showdown against the reigning KBL champions Busan KCC Egis this Wednesday, according to Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo,
The Meralco Bolts will be parading international journeyman Akil Mitchell as their reinforcement in the upcoming PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
The Bolts made the announcement on Monday, November 11.
Mitchell is tasked to lead Meralco in their quest for a first Commissioner's Cup title and second title overall in franchise history.
The Bolts are coming off a disappointing quarterfinals exit in the season-opening Governors' Cup, where they got swept by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in a best-of-five series.
[ALSO READ: Meralco's QF exit vs Ginebra, a ’reality check’ says Chris Newsome]
A product of the University of Virginia, Mitchell is expected to make his Meralco debut against reigning KBL champions Busan KCC Egis in EASL action on Wednesday, November 11.
The Bolts are currently in third place in Group B at 1-1.
Furthermore, Mitchell boasts a rich experience in overseas play, suiting up for France, Australia, Turkey, Puerto Rico, Greece, Germany, and most recently in China with the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) where he made 6.5 points and 9.7 rebounds in 10 games.
Mitchell is Meralco's first choice of import in the PBA since longtime reinforcement Allen Durham announced his PBA retirement just last month.
[ALSO READ: Three-time PBA Best Import Allen Durham closes PBA chapter, looks to return to Japan]