HOW fast its three imports adjust to its system plays a crucial role in Meralco's latest foray in the Basketball Champions League Asia in Dubai.
Cohesion and chemisty are the immediate concerns of coach Luigi Trillo heading to the week-long meet that kicks off Saturday at the Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall.
The Bolts have tapped 6-foot-11 Nigerian John Egbunu along with Glynn Watson and Jordon Vardano to reinforce the team in the tournament formerly known as the FIBA Asian Champions Cup.
Although Watson and Vardano had the benefit to practice with Meralco in Manila, Egbunu didn't get acquainted with his teammates until the Bolts arrived in Dubai.
Meralco left for Manila on Thursday, giving the 30-year-old Egbunu, a University of Florida product, just 48 hours to get to know the team.
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The Bolts play host team Shabab Al Ahli on opening day.
The Red Knights, who play in the West Asia Super League, finished runner up in the 2024 edition of the tournament, losing to Wael Arakji and Al Riyadi in the finals, 122-96.
Meralco's nine-man local roster include Cliff Hodge, Raymond Almazan, Bong Quinto, Aaron Black, Chris Banchero, Norbert Torres, Alvin Pasaol, rookie CJ Cansino, and Gilas Pilipinas guard Chris Newsome.
The Bolts are bracketed in Group B with Shabab Al Ahli and reigning B. League champion Utsunomiya Brex.
They play Utsunomiya on Sunday before taking a break the following day.
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Meralco first played in the tournament in 2018 when it was still known by its previous name, finishing fourth overall after losing in the bronze medal match against the Seoul SK Knights of the Korean Basketball League.
The Bolts are just one of three teams that already suited up in the tournament in the past along with Al Riyadi and Shabab Al Ahli.(RG)
