Meralco Bolts fans know that the acquisition of a second big man over the past few months is a big boost to the team, but they may have to wait a bit longer.
The Bolts signed Noy Baclao to a free-agent deal after his contract with Alaska expired, giving the PBA ballclub a second big man to a frontline that last season got a major upgrade following the acquisition of Raymond Almazan.
Unfortunately, both players are injured and are still rehabbing. The timetable for their recovery is still uncertain with Baclao expected to return later in the year.
Baclao ruptured his right patellar tendon during the Governors' Cup while with Alaska last year. Almazan is in the same boat after suffering a knee injury during Meralco's finals series against Ginebra in the Governors' Cup.
Almazan may have a better chance of returning as soon as the Enhance Community Quarantine (ECQ) is lifted.
Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo can't to see the two pair up.
"Kailangan namin sa all-Filipino ng bigs," said Trillo. "I’m looking forward to the tandem and having those two guys playing at the same time. They will really give us some length and interior presence."
Baclao averaged 3.1 points and 4.2 rebounds in only 21 games with the Aces in 2019, but it’s the intangibles that he can bring to the table that excites Trillo.
The bench has also become deeper with Almazan, Baclao, Cliff Hodge, Bryan Faundo, Reynel Hugnatan and Raymar Jose manning the shaded lane.
The Bolts signed Noy Baclao to a free-agent deal after his contract with Alaska expired, giving the PBA ballclub a second big man to a frontline that last season got a major upgrade following the acquisition of Raymond Almazan.
Unfortunately, both players are injured and are still rehabbing. The timetable for their recovery is still uncertain with Baclao expected to return later in the year.
Baclao ruptured his right patellar tendon during the Governors' Cup while with Alaska last year. Almazan is in the same boat after suffering a knee injury during Meralco's finals series against Ginebra in the Governors' Cup.
Almazan may have a better chance of returning as soon as the Enhance Community Quarantine (ECQ) is lifted.
Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo can't to see the two pair up.
"Kailangan namin sa all-Filipino ng bigs," said Trillo. "I’m looking forward to the tandem and having those two guys playing at the same time. They will really give us some length and interior presence."
Baclao averaged 3.1 points and 4.2 rebounds in only 21 games with the Aces in 2019, but it’s the intangibles that he can bring to the table that excites Trillo.
The bench has also become deeper with Almazan, Baclao, Cliff Hodge, Bryan Faundo, Reynel Hugnatan and Raymar Jose manning the shaded lane.
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