Philippine Cup champ Meralco energized for one more crack at EASL

Philippine Cup champ Meralco energized for one more crack at EASL

MERALCO is amenable to represent the PBA once again in the East Asia Super League (EASL).

The newly-minted Philippine Cup champions are ready to take their act anew to the regional meet which features a home-and-away format and is set to open Season 2 this coming October.

Coach Luigi Trillo said it would be an honor to play again opposite some champion club teams from various cage leagues around Asia.

"Yes, we are (willing to play) in the EASL," said the champion mentor. "We’re excited. That’s the best of Asia. And we want to finish with a better showing."

Bolts out of the blue

The Bolts saw action in the EASL last year as a last-minute replacement for Barangay Ginebra as the PBA representative along with TNT.

Despite a short period of preparation – not to mention concerns regarding import changes – Meralco gave a good account of itself especially after stunning then reigning Japan B. League champions Ryukyu Golden Kings during the group stage.

Unfortunately, both the Bolts and Tropang Giga failed to advance to the Final Four held in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Still, Trillo credited Meralco’s stint in the EASL as one of the factors that helped the Bolts gain experience and confidence in winning the franchise’s first-ever PBA title following a six-game upset of top seed San Miguel Beermen in the All-Filipino finals.

The PBA has yet to name which teams will represent the country in the new EASL season, although Trillo said Meralco is willing to do it all over again if the league would give the Bolts its consent.

"Let’s wait for the PBA," said Trillo. "Sana. And this time, we will have a better preparation."

nenad vucinic meralco smb pba finals trillo

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

So far, the PBA is the only league yet to name its teams for the 2024-25 EASL.

The Hiroshima Dragonflies and Ryukyu Golden Kings are representing the Japan B.League, the Busan KCC Egis and Suwon KT SonicBoom for the Korea Basketball League, and the New Taipei Kings and Taoyuan Pauian Pilots for the P. League+.

In a statement, the EASL has already stated one of the best performing teams from PBA Season 48 will be seeing action.

San Miguel was a two-time finalist in the last PBA season last, including winning the Commissioner’s Cup championship behind import Bennie Boatwright.