Will changes to the Meralco Bolts happen anytime soon?
There is a possibility. Bolts head coach Norman Black himself hinted that the Orangemen might see a shake-up as the 2019 PBA season progresses.
“I’m sure between now and the next conference something will happen there. Definitely,” said Black after their 86-96 loss to Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday, to cap off their Philippine Cup campaign.
“We have too many point guards. Can’t tell you what it is but something would happen, I’m sure.”
Looking at Meralco’s team, they currently have four point guards at their disposal – Anjo Caram, Mike Tolomia, free agent acquisition Nards Pinto, and main floor general Baser Amer.
With this hint, questions have been raised, such as whether the rumored trade among Meralco, Blackwater Elite, and TNT KaTropa that emerged in the preseason will push through soon.
That rumored deal included Amer, Jericho Cruz, Brian Heruela, and 2018’s second overall pick Ray Parks, Jr.
But before any deals, Black’s sights are set on the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup – particularly on finding a reinforcement who will meet the Bolts’ frontcourt needs.
“In the past, we’ve been able to recruit imports that have solved a lot of our problems, particularly in the paint, particularly when it comes to rebounding and interior defense,” Black said.
“That would be the goal right now – try to find somebody who can at least take up the center slot for us so I don’t have to play Ranidel [De Ocampo] and Reynel [Hugnatan] as centers.”
