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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Meralco coach expects Banchero to provide spark in debut vs Ginebra

Meralco coach expects Banchero to provide spark in debut vs Ginebra

Published Feb 11, 2022 07:13 pm

Photo from PBA

Meralco coach Norman Black expects Chris Banchero to have a seamless transition by the time he debuts for his new team against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel this weekend.

Black opted not to use their prized addition in the Bolts’ 110-100 win over the NLEX Road Warriors on Friday, Feb. 11 after Banchero only joined his new team’s practice a day earlier.

Banchero was in uniform and took part in the pregame warmup but didn’t see action for Meralco in the game held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

But the Meralco coach sees no reason why the veteran guard can’t adjust quickly.

“He doesn't know the plays yet,” Black said. “It's a day before the game, so we don't really do much except to prepare for the team we're going to go up against the day before the game.

“We didn't really do much yesterday, but I was able to get four other players plus Chris after practice to execute our offense. So I'm expecting that we'll limit what we use when he's in the game on Sunday.

“But he'll be pretty fluid by the time we get to Sunday's game. We have tomorrow's practice to get it done. So I don't think it's gonna be a very difficult process for him to be able to adjust,” added Black.

The eight-year guard became an unrestricted free agent after his contract with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters last Jan. 31 and signed a three-year deal for a chance to help the Bolts win their first-ever PBA championship.

His ability to play both offense and defense has brought some excitement to the Meralco camp, which a month earlier lost John Pinto for the said reason to sign with Ginebra.

“He can score the basketball, he defends well, he can pass the basketball also, he puts a lot of pressure defensively. So he just brings us another weapon we can use during games,” Black said.

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