Meralco on a mission

Meralco Bolts hopes to finally make a difference when it represents the country in the East Asia Super League (EASL) for the third straight year starting Oct. 8.

The Bolts, who lost to eventual champion San Miguel Beer in the quarterfinal round of the recent PBA Philippine Cup, vowed to put up a good fight in their third straight EASL appearance against P. League kingpin Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, Japan B League runner-up Ryukyu Golden Kings and the Macau Black Bears in Group B.

“We are again honored to be chosen for a third straight year to play in the EASL with the best teams around Asia. It shows that our organization was voted into taking part and that gives recognition to our ball club’s caliber,” Meraclo coach Luigi Trillo said in an interview posted at the official PBA website.

“We want to do well because we are not just carrying Meralco’s name but that of the PBA and Philippine basketball,” added Trillo.

Trillo said a cause of concern is that the Bolts will play in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup without an import then bring in the foreign reinforcements for the EASL campaign along the way.

“Finding imports will be a big challenge because all the other EASL teams play year round with their respective imports and give yearly contracts. We can only really offer a couple of months,” Trillo said.

Trillo, however, said Meralco is confident they can improve their first two appearances in the EASL.

The Bolts finished with a 1-6 win-loss record in group play when they first saw action in the EASL in 2023-24.

Last season, they posted 2-4 in thier five-team bracket, falling a win short of advancing to the Final Four.

Expected to lead the Bolts’ campaign this year are Chris Banchero, Chris Newsome, Raymond Almazan, Cliff Hodge, Axil Mitchell, Alvin Pasaol, Brandon Bates, Anjo Caram, Aaron Black, CJ Cansino, Kurt Reyson and Kakou Kouame.

The Chiba Jets of Japan hold the distinction as the first-ever EASL champion.

The Japanese, led by 2024 EASL Final Four Most Valuable Player Yuki Togashi, defeated Seoul SK Knights, 72-69, in a tightly-contested championship game.

Another Japanese team, Hiroshima Dragonflies, emerged as Season 2 champions.

The Dragonflies, the 2024 B. League champions defeated Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, 72-68, to win the 2024–25 season championship.

Dwayne Evans was named as 2025 EASL Final Four Most Valuable Player.