LUIGI Trillo's New Year's wish for Meralco is simple: To have a healthy Bolts resume their campaign in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
As it is, the team has yet to have a complete roster since the start of Season 49, a factor that led to its early exit in the Governors' Cup playoffs, and obviously hurting its bid in the mid-season conference.
Meralco lost its last two outings including a 110-94 defeat at the hands of surging Converge on Christmas Day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum that evened its record at 3-3.
While the Bolts finally have Allein Maliksi, Chris Banchero, and import Akil Mitchell back in harness, they still have the likes of big men Raymund Almazan and Brandon Bates, along with Jolo Mendoza and rookie CJ Cansino in the injury list.
"We're trying, but we're a little bit bugbog," said Trillo, noting the hectic schedule has also been getting in the way of the team's health issue.
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Aside from the Commissioner's Cup, the Bolts are also seeing action in the East Asia Super League (EASL).
"The problem is we can't get a full (lineup). May injuries, but tanggap namin yun," said Trillo.
Although the likes of Maliksi, Banchero, and Mitchell are playing again, Trillo pointed out the three are still trying to have their rhythm back.
"We have new guys coming back, but sometimes those things can hurt you more rather than help you," said the Meralco coach. "Kasi kakapa pa sila. And they're still finding their rhythm."
After playing last Christmas in the league's final playdate for 2024, Meralco also opens the league's 2025 schedule when it takes on guest team Eastern at the Big Dome.
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Hopefully by then, the Bolts already have the benefit of a complete roster. (RG)
