[EXCLUSIVE] The Meralco Bolts are set to make another appearance in the East Asia Super League (EASL), and this time, they will be the only PBA team to compete.
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In an exclusive interview with DZRHTV, head coach Luigi Trillo shared his thoughts on the rare opportunity and the road ahead for the team.
Trillo expressed deep gratitude for the invitation, noting that EASL qualification usually requires a team to place first or second in their country’s professional league each year.
“Well we are honored that they chose us again. To make the EASL you have to place first or second in your respective country's professional league to qualify every year,” said Trillo.
While Meralco first joined the EASL as a replacement for Barangay Ginebra after finishing third, and later qualified by winning the All-Filipino championship, this year’s entry came under different circumstances.
The Bolts did not even reach the semifinals in the PBA, yet they were still voted in by the league and welcomed back by EASL organizers.
For Trillo, this is a recognition of the club’s efforts and a testament to the program’s credibility, given that not all teams aspiring to represent the country are considered.
“This year we didn't even qualify for the semifinals of the PBA so to be voted in by the PBA and accepted and acknowledged by the EASL to come back is a big thing to us,” he added, “It's recognizing our ball club's effort. Not all clubs who want to represent are considered so to be invited back is good for our program.”
‘No pressure‘ — Trillo
When asked if the return brought added pressure or a sense of redemption, Trillo dismissed the idea of viewing it that way.
Instead, he emphasized that the focus will depend on the roster’s final composition, which will be determined by management and coach Nenad Vučinić.
“I personally don't look at it as pressure. We have to see first who our team will be composed of and that will be decided upon by management and coach Nenad. Then we will take it from there,” the Meralco Bolts' head tactician emphasized.
The EASL’s yearly format changes with the teams involved, and Meralco’s own lineup will also look different. Key import Akil Mitchell has already signed with a Japanese B.League team, and the upcoming draft could further alter the roster.
Looking back at last season, Trillo admitted that the team was not satisfied with its results. The Bolts came within seconds of becoming the first Philippine squad to reach the EASL semifinals but fell short.
In the PBA, they failed to reach the semis in all three conferences. Adding to the challenge, they were chosen at the last minute to compete in the Basketball Champions League (BCL), leading to a hectic schedule.
‘Smart training‘ for the Bolts
This year, Trillo is determined to prepare more deliberately. He stressed the need for hard and smart training, securing three imports who can fit seamlessly into the system, and managing the difficult task of competing at a high level in both the PBA and EASL.
“This year we will have to train, train hard and smart, get the guys 3 imports who we feel can fit and then pivot and adjust to the PBA and EASL schedule. That is not easy to do by any means but now that's the challenge for us. To see if we can do both leagues simultaneously at a high level.”
Despite the challenges, he remains confident in the team’s capability and is looking forward to seeing the players return fresh after a well-earned rest.
“I believe we are capable and excited to see the team after their rest they so deserved.”
