MANILA, Philippines — Meralco’s new acquisition, Mac Belo, is thrilled to work with seasoned coach Norman Black and join the Bolts in their quest for a breakthrough PBA title.
“I’m excited. I’m challenged and at the same time there’s some pressure because it’s coach Norman. He was unstoppable when he was playing,” Belo said in yesterday’s Power and Play on Radyo Singko.
“I’m the type of person who loves to listen so I’m looking forward to learning from him,” he added.
Belo, Blackwater’s No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 special draft, moved over to Black’s camp via a trade approved this week. The Bossing got Meralco’s Baser Amer and Bryan Faundo in return.
The 6-foot-4 forward expects to blend well with Reynel Hugnatan, Cliff Hodge, and Raymond Almazan in Meralco’s fortified frontline.
“I like the system that coach Norman is running. Meralco is a very disciplined team especially defensively and I want to be part of such a system,” he said.
Belo feels he’d be a good fit for the Bolts, given his offensive and defensive skills.
“I’m more of a two-way player, I can defend multiple positions,” he said. “I’ll do whatever coach tells me so I can help the team.”
The former Far Eastern U standout averaged 11.40 points, 5.3 rebounds and one assist in 10 games for Blackwater in the Philippine Cup bubble.
Belo was stalled by injury the previous year but maintained he’s ready to go for Season 46.
His transfer to All-Filipino semifinalist Meralco couldn’t be more timely for Belo, who has made it his personal goal to reach greater heights this year.
“Right now, my goal is to win a PBA championship. With the Meralco team I have a big chance of seeing my dream come true,” he said. “So I’ll do my best to help the team win.”