Meralco slotman Raymond Almazan hopes to provide a big difference for Meralco as the Bolts seek to finally hit paydirt against two-time tormentor Barangay Ginebra in next week's PBA Governors' Cup finals.
The Bolts yielded to the Gin Kings in two previous showdowns for the season-ending crown in 2016 and 2017, the absence of a steady inside force to complement do-it-all import Allen Durham obviously hurting their bid.
But with mid-season trade acquisition Almazan already on board, coach Norman Black and his crew feels better about matching up with Ginebra's frontliners led by Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguila
"Sa dalawang finals nila wala silang big man eh, so nandito na ako ngayon medyo mapapadali na trabaho sa amin," said the 6-foot-7 Almazan, whom Meralco tabbed from Rain or Shine in exchange for the Bolts' 2019 and 2021 draft picks last May.
"Alam naman natin yung Meralco naghahanap ng big man matagal na eh. Sa presence ko siguro makakatulong ako this coming finals namin," he added.
Sponsored content:
The former Letran star didn't get big numbers in Meralco's hill-hill semifinal duel with TNT KaTropa, having to deal with explosive import KJ McDaniels and stretch four Troy Rosario, who can knock down shots from the deep.
Against Ginebra, Almazan can stay longer in the paint against pure four and fives Slaughter and Aguilar.
"Gusto ko yun kasi mga big man talaga. Masasabi mong matchup yung finals," said the 31-year-old.
Almazan returns to the PBA finals after a three-year absence, his last stint being the 2016 Commissioner's Cup where th Elasto Painters emerged triumphant at the expense of Alaska.
"Sobrang tagal ko na hindi nag finals. 2016 pa. Very excited ako, ready talaga kami," he said. "Going to the finals talaga, ang sarap ng pakiramram."
Sponsored content:
Meralco and Ginebra spent the Christmas holiday with just a brief break as they have to gear up for Round 3 of their battle for the Governors' Cup title beginning Jan. 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.(OL)
