Chris Banchero was in full uniform and even took part in Meralco’s pregame warm-up for its 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup clash with NLEX, Friday.
It was then apparent that the Fil-Italian guard would make his debut for the Bolts, which he joined as an unrestricted free agent by signing a three-year max deal in one of the biggest player movements to take place this season.
However, it may have to wait for a while. He wasn’t fielded by head coach Norman Black, as he just joined his new team the day before the match.
“He doesn’t know the plays yet,” the champion mentor said with a chuckle. “It’s a day before the game, so we didn’t really do much except to prepare for the team we’re going to go up against the day before the game.”
Still, it was a game to remember for Banchero even if he only watched from the sidelines. His new team gave him a fitting reception by way of a 110-100 victory over the Road Warriors — their third win in as many outings.
Part of the welcoming committee was Cliff Hodge, who churned out a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds.
It has been told many times in the past how big of a role the veteran bruiser had played in Meralco’s acquisition of the one-time All-Star. And that’s because the two are best of friends, and their partners are likewise close.
Hodge said that Banchero’s addition is indeed huge for the Bolts, who are presently sharing leadership with Magnolia in the standings at 3-0.
Photo by PBA Images
“It’s huge,” he offered. “It’s huge.
“Chris is one of the best point guards in the league, and also one of my best friends. So, it’s very [huge] chemistry-wise to get him over here, and we can’t wait for him to suit up.”
Black agreed saying, “He’s a big addition to our team. We were fortunate enough to be able to recruit him because we lost Nards Pinto.
“I think he’ll bring a lot to the team. I mean, 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.”
But when will he suit up? For Black, Banchero may finally make his debut this Sunday, when they take on defending champions Ginebra.
“Chris just joined us yesterday in practice for the first time and he looked pretty good. I’m thinking that he will play on Sunday against Ginebra,” he said.
The Grand Slam-winning bench tactician is confident that Banchero won’t have much of a hard time acclimatizing with Meralco’s scheme of things.
“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,” said Black.
“But he’ll be pretty fluid by the time we get to the 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.”
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