MANILA, Philippines – The Meralco Bolts are re-structuring their power sources yet again.
In a surprise move on Monday, the Bolts shook up their line-up anew to tap the services of athletic but currently injured Jared Dillinger from sister team Talk n Text and veteran big man Don Allado from Barako Bull in exchange for Ronjay Buenafe and Gilbert Bulawan.
“It was hard to let go of Ronjay,†Gregorio told Philstar.com. “He played well for us and was instrumental in making our team competitive. He will flourish wherever he goes. I wish him well."
But the boyish-looking mentor, who has yet to reach the PBA Finals since moving to the Bolts from Purefoods (now San Mig Coffee), said that they based their bold move on their present roster make-up. Gregorio believes that a healthy Dillinger is what the doctor has ordered for the Bolts.
“We lacked someone like Dillinger who can play multiple positions, even point guard for that matter. In addition, we lacked a lock-down defender in the perimeter,†Gregorio trying to explain the move to shake-up their roster once again.
It was only one conference ago since the Bolts have figured in another blockbuster trade that involved their former explosive playmaker Sol Mercado. Without the mercurial guard, the Bolts found ways to thrive and even advanced to the quarterfinals only to fall one win short of barging into the Final Four.
Gregorio looks at Dillinger to be a game changer for them on both ends.
“Dillinger gives us more flexibility on both ends of the floor. He can play multiple positions (1-2-3) and has an explosive move to the basket,†Gregorio said. “With him on board, we will also have a solid defender in the perimeter.â€
The high-flying forward, who met a car accident last April, is still undergoing strengthening exercises. No surgery was needed to repair his injured pelvic bone and he is expected to be ready by August.
“Doctors gave him a positive feedback. We were assured that he will be back to his usual game,†Gregorio said.
The deal sweetener Allado addresses the Bolts’ need for wide-bodied big man, something they missed when Asi Taulava opted to take his 40-year old legs to the Asean Basketball League (ABL) where he is enjoying a renaissance of sorts.
“The center position is one spot we wanted to address and I am certain that Don can cover the weakness of ours,†Gregorio said.
Allado, who has just turned 33 today, played for Gregorio for three seasons from 2008 to 2011 in Purefoods and won a championship with him in the 2010 All-Filipino Cup – his last PBA title – before his transfer to Meralco.
“Don (Allado) is a solid big man with a good touch from the perimeter,†Gregorio said. “He still has a solid game and he is a good post defender as well.â€
Gregorio is optimistic that he can revive Allado’s career while a new environment will help Dillinger get over the accident and flourish side-by-side with his nucleus of Chris Ross, Mac Cardona and Cliff Hodge.