NEWLY-appointed Meralco coach Luigi Trillo has been with the team the last nine years as an assistant to former tactician Norman Black, but he admitted he still needs more time to develop a rapport with his charges.
The pro league’s extended pre-season would be a perfect opportunity for Trillo.
“Kailangan makita natin kung kaya nilang mag-adapt sa sistema,” Trillo said. “We’ve been together nine years na pero we’re trying to put some new things in. So, obviously, gusto mong manalo pero hindi win at all costs.
“Kasi this time exhibition games na walang playoffs, semis, finals. Pero ang tinitingnan ko, kung ginagawa nila ng tama ang gusto namin. So, details, timing, and then if they can play with the intensity we’re looking for,” he added.
The Bolts battle the NorthPort Batang Pier today in both squads’ debut in the PBA on Tour at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Game time is set at 5 p.m. before San Miguel Beer clashes with Phoenix.
Trillo, who was tapped by the Manny V. Pangilinan owned-ball club only last May 8, will lean on Chris Newsome, Raymond Almazan, Bong Quinto and Allein Maliksi.
Trillo, who won a crown with the defunct Alaska franchise in 2013, said his team has to make do without some of its key players.
“May mga injuries kami,” he said, referring to the likes of Chris Banchero, Aaron Black, Franky Johnson, and Diego Dario. “Piga lang kung sino puwedeng maglaro, give them an opportunity to showcase kung ano sila. Solid na kami, pero siyempre you’re looking for the right mix.”
Like Trillo, NorthPort strategist Bonnie Tan also intends to use the exhibition tilt to toughen up his troops, adding the departure of star guard Robert Bolick will be huge for them.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila, ‘Huwag nating i-take it easy.’ Gusto naming maipakita iyong winning attitude, na ayaw magpatalo,” Tan said.
“Iyon ang pinaka-malaking kulang sa team (void left by Bolick) kaya nga sabi ko sa team, lalo na sa veterans, ito na chance nila na mabigyan ng oras. This is their time to shine para maipakita iyong mga hindi nila nagawa before.”
Bolick opted to bring his act to the Japan B. League after his contract with the Batang Pier expired.
Joshua Munzon and veteran Arwind Santos will be counted upon by NorthPort to deliver.
