Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 11) – New Meralco Bolts star guard Chris Banchero is expected to play for his new squad on Sunday against defending champions Barangay Ginebra, head coach Norman Black said.
“He just joined us yesterday in practice for the first time and he looked pretty good. So, I’m thinking he’ll play on Sunday against Ginebra. I think he’ll bring a lot to the team,” Black said Friday during the post-match press conference after the Bolts’ victory against NLEX Road Warriors.
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Banchero was present in the game, but only sat in the bench and joined the team during warmups.
Black emphasized the Filipino Italian playmaker, who joined the team from free agency on Feb. 2, will bring new weapons to the Bolts as they continue their winning ways in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup with a 3-0 slate.
“I was able to get four other players plus Chris (Banchero) after practice to execute our offense,” said Black. “He’ll be pretty fluid by the time he gets to the Sunday’s game. We have tomorrow’s practice to get it done.”
Bolts forward Cliff Hodge said Banchero will bring a huge impact to the team, describing him as “one of the best point guards in the league.”
Banchero averaged 18.0 points, 4.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 steals in the five games he played in the Governors’ Cup with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.
The Bolts is Banchero’s fourth PBA team after stops with Alaska Aces, Magnolia Pambansang Manook Hotshots, and the Fuel Masters.
