With just 12 days before its 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup debut, Meralco has yet to designate an import.
The Bolts did not list a foreign reinforcement in their official lineup released on Friday.
It had been widely believed that Puerto Rican big man Ismael Romero would serve as Meralco’s import, as he had been with the team since the East Asia Super League tournament.
However, last January, Romero figured in controversy after—while representing Al Ahli Tripoli in the Dubai International Basketball Championship—he kicked former PBA pro Nick Demusis during a game. He has yet to apologize for the incident.
(C) FIBA.basketball
Set to make their PBA debuts for Meralco are Jason Brickman and Vince Magbuhos, both of whom were able to finish their Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League contracts last year.
Leading the Bolts in their bid to bounce back from a quarterfinal finish in last year’s Commissioner’s Cup is Chris Newsome.
Completing the roster are Aaron Black, Chris Banchero, Cliff Hodge, Anjo Caram, Bong Quinto, Raymond Almazan, Allein Maliksi, Jansen Rios, Kyle Pascual, Brandon Bates, CJ Cansino, and newly acquired Javee Mocon.
Meralco opens its campaign against the Converge FiberXers on March 18 at Ynares Center.
