It is too early to tell, but it looks like the Meralco Bolts’ new import for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quickly is a proven winner and team player by leading them to a 81-80 win against South Korea’s Busan KCC Egis in the East Asia Super League (EASL) last 13 November.
The Meralco Bolts were one of the last PBA teams to name their import for the upcoming Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, only announcing a few days ago that well-traveled Akil Mitchell would be suiting up for them.
Unlike the other teams, though, who have been practicing privately with their imports, the Bolts were able to showcase Mitchell to a live audience in an official game at the Philsports Arena.
Needless to say, Bolts coach Luigi Trillo is very happy that they signed Mitchell.
"This guy led us with his big rebounds," Trillo said about Mitchell after the Bolts’ thrilling come-from-behind win over the visiting Busan KCC Egis.
"And I think the nice thing about bringing Akil is he’s a professional. He’s been around. He knows how to win, just like our former important also, A.D. (Allen Durham). But big for us. I think this is our first time that we've gotten two wins (in the EASL) and obviously more games ahead of us."
Mitchell had a monster 33-22 double-double, and more importantly, sank the go-ahead free throw with six seconds left that sealed the win for the Bolts. The 32-year-old has played in France, Italy, Greece, Israel, China, and Puerto Rico in a professional career that began in 2014.
Trillo said they made sure to double-check everything about Mitchell.
"Character-wise, we did background checks," he said. "He’s played all over the world and not only has he played all over the world, but he’s been a professional and he's won. He came from Puerto Rico, they won there."
The Meralco Bolts were playing their first game in over a month, and they looked a little out of sorts early on as KCC controlled the first half. They were also missing injured shooters Allein Maliksi and CJ Cansino, but Mitchell stepped up big time.
"Like Coach said, a lot of our guys haven't been in rhythm. But fortunately for me, I have been. I got here a few days ago. So I’ve been playing and I feel like I’m in a good rhythm right now, in good shape.
"A lot of love, a lot of appreciation for the team for bringing me here. Nothing but respect, nothing but admiration. They’ve welcomed me like family and I really do appreciate that. It means a lot to me. I’ve been to a lot of countries, a lot of places. To get here just a few days ago and to already feel like I’m a part of the group is really special. So I appreciate you guys."
Trillo called Mitchell "a bigger version of Cliff (Hodge) and Mike Phillips (of La Salle)" and is excited to see what he will bring to the Commissioner’s Cup, which opens on 27 November.
"The PBA Commissioners Cup, we have to just be tough," he said. "And I think that’s what Akil brings. We know the other teams have added players. We respect that.
"Some of the other teams have also gotten quality imports, but we believe in our guys. We believe in the practices we have. He’s going to fit right in what we do. And the thing I think he brings that other bigs do is he can do multiple things in defense. He can switch. He can show. He can drop. He can bring the ball for us."
Mitchell said that compared to the other countries he has played in, the Philippine style is faster.
"Philippine basketball, it’s honestly my first game. But even in the last few weeks, it’s been very fast-paced. I think we’re going to want to play up and down, play at a high pace, play at a high tempo. We’re obviously missing a lot of guys.
"But I think my advantage in all of those leagues has been able to be versatile. My size and physicality in the Philippine league will be a strength for me. But also, like Coach said, being able to switch, being able to be smart enough to understand what teams want to do is going to be my strength. So I’m looking forward to it.
"I’m looking forward to Philippine basketball. I’ll learn some more about it. But tonight was a good one."
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