Almazan, Bates keys for Bolts vs Beermen

MANILA, Philippines — It’s going to be a trial by fire for sure against powerhouse San Miguel Beer.

And much like in the semifinal series against Barangay Ginebra, Meralco needs all hands on deck to bolster its chance of success in the PBA Philippine Cup finals versus holder SMB.

The Bolts edged the Gin Kings, 4-3, in a marathon series that entailed a brave, concerted effort from veterans like Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero, Allein Maliksi, Raymond Almazan and Bong Quinto and rookie Brandon Bates.

“Everybody’s picking up each other,” Meralco mentor Luigi Trillo said about the team’s strength that served them well against Ginebra on their way to a maiden All-Filipino Last Dance appearance for the franchise.

“Heroes all over and we’re going to need everybody again when we face San Miguel because San Miguel, we know they’re a deep team.”

The burden of further leveling up is heavier on the shoulders of Almazan and Bates, who will be up against SMB behemoth June Mar Fajardo, the Alpha Beerman himself.

Trillo expects a lot from Bates, who more than held his own against Standhardinger in the previous series. The 6-foot-8 Fil-Australian even had six blocks – the most since Fajardo also had six in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup playoffs – in the clincher versus the Gin Kings.

“I said it before the (semis) series, Brandon would be big for us because Raymond (Almazan is) doing his share, Kyle (Pascual is) doing his share, (also) Norbert (Torres). I’m sure these guys appreciate the things that Brandon does,” Trillo said. 

“He’s (Bates) going to be huge in the next series. You’re playing probably the best player ever in the PBA in June Mar and then we know what they’re capable of. But we’re also confident in our guys,” he added.