MANILA, Philippines - Kumpara sa nakaraan nilang kampanya, mas kumpiyansa si coach Ryan Gregorio sa komposisyon ng kanyang Meralco para sa 37th season ng Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Nahugot ng Bolts sa nakaraang 2011 PBA Rookie Draft si Smart Gilas Pilipinas slotman Jason Ballesteros bilang 7th overall pick bukod pa sa kanyang San Sebastian teammate na si Gilbert Bulawan (2nd round).
Maliban sa 6-foot-7 na si Ballesteros at 6’4 na si Bulawan, idinagdag ng Meralco si 6’6 free agent market Bryan Faundo ng Letran College at dating Talk ‘N Text off-guard Mark Yee.
“They are what I called Meralco’s version of Bakal Boys,” sabi ni Gregorio. “I think we’re a much better team physically and mentally this season than last year with these players around.”
Nakuha rin ng Meralco sina dating Powerade gunners Mark Macapagal at Chico Lanete.
“We’re definitely solid in the 2 spot with the addition of Macapagal and Lanete, and the return of Mark Cardona,” dagdag ni Gregorio, muling ipaparada sina 12-year veteran Asi Taulava, Sol Mercado, Mac Cardona, Bitoy Omolon, Reynel Hugnatan at Mark Isip.
Magbubukas ng 37th PBA season sa pamamagitan ng 2011-2012 Philippine Cup sa Oktubre 2 sa Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Player per-player we can’t compete yet with power teams like Talk `N Text, Petron or B-Meg,” ani Gregorio. “But as a whole, we’re definitely going to be more competitive this time.”