Black: Meralco ready vs Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines – With an upgraded roster entering the PBA’s brand new season, Meralco coach Norman Black has high hopes that the Bolts are ready to make some noise, beginning with their season-opening game against pre-tournament favorite Barangay Ginebra.

The 11-time PBA champion coach said any team that faces Ginebra at any given day will always be a test, considering that the league’s most popular ball club have a stacked-up roster from frontline to backcourt.

“Obviously, Ginebra is one of the most talented teams in the league. They got coach Tim Cone now, but we’ll be ready,” Black told Philstar.com on Monday.

The Bolts will be facing the Gin Kings on October 21 in a game that will mark the coaching debut of Cone at Ginebra.

Although Ginebra will be bannered by “Twin Towers” Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar, backstopped by new boy Joe Devance, along with a slew of guards led by LA Tenorio, Sol Mercado and Mark Caguioa, Black believes they have the personnel to match up with the Gin Kings.

Black’s readiness stems from the fact that the Bolts boosted their stock in the offseason after drafting rookies Chris Newsome and Baser Amer last August.

Meralco also shored up its front court with the entry of free-agent pick ups Justin Chua and Bryan Faundo, while the return of big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini from a season-long sabbatical is expected to bring stability at the slot.

Veteran Jimmy Alapag also came out of retirement and will be providing backcourt leadership for Meralco after being traded by Talk ‘N Text through a three-team transaction.

The 57-year-old Black said Alapag will play a big role for the Bolts, mainly due to the experience he brings in to the team.

“I think he gives us upgrade in the point guard position. So we will utilize his leadership and mentor our young point guards, particularly Amer,” said Black.

He added that the 37-year-old Alapag is slowly getting back to his old form since recovering from a quad injury, which he suffered while training with Gilas Pilipinas last August.

“He (Alapag) basically looks the same. Obviously, he has to get his timing back, coming off an injury with the national team, but he has been practicing full-time everyday,” said the Grand Slam champion coach.

“He has been playing scrimmage games and has been performing well.”

The American coach added that the versatile Newsome will also play a big role at the wing or guard spot for Meralco.

The former Ateneo standout can also use his speed and athleticism to create mismatches if ever.

“Newsome has been doing quite well and has been contributing a lot in our games in the preseason,” he said. “I think he’ll be a big part for the team this year.”

Black said Amer, who is still playing for San Beda in the NCAA, will just have to work his way through the system once the college season is over.

“Baser has not joined us full time. He has not practiced with us for the last four weeks now, so he’ll have to make immediate adjustment when the NCAA season is over and learn the system as soon as possible,” Black said.