Black eyes big import for Meralco after dismal exit

MANILA, Philippines -- It is no secret that Meralco will be taking advantage of the 6'9" limit for the Commissioner’s Cup following the Bolts’ dismal campaign in the season-opening Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup.

Despite adding several key personnel led by blue-chip rookies Chris Newsome and Baser Amer as well as plucking veteran playmaker Jimmy Alapag out of retirement, the Bolts finished dead last in the All-Filipino conference with their woeful 1-10 record.

Meralco closed out its campaign on Wednesday with a 97-87 loss to Rain or Shine.

“We’re trying to recruit an import who can maybe help us in some of our needs. We got beat by 19 rebounds by Rain or Shine so we need an import who can rebound and defend the paint. That’s gonna be the most important thing,” Black told sports scribes Wednesday night.

The American mentor said they already have a short list of import prospects. 

“We do have imports we’re looking at, but we don’t have a definite guy yet. Maybe next week, we can get somebody to a contract, a guy who can help fill our weaknesses.”

Meralco’s front court got younger this season with the return of 6-foot-7 Rabeh Al-Hussaini from a one-year sabbatical.

The Bolts also brought in Brian Faundo, while Kelly Nabong also got bigger playing time, but Meralco franchise still couldn’t match up with bigger teams like San Miguel Beer, Rain or Shine and Barangay Ginebra.

And Black is hopeful that their incoming big import will bring in the solid inside presence for  the Bolts, who intend to redeem themselves from their woeful showing in the All-Filipino conference.

Meralco is expected to return to practice on January 4.