Meralco is going extra large.
Six-foot-seven Fil-Aussie big man Brandon Bates is going to the Bolts after being selected as the eighth overall pick in the 2023 PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday afternoon at Market! Market! in Taguig.
Bates gained a reputation as a rebounding beast during his two year stay at De La Salle University.
He averaged 2.7 points and 5.5 rebounds in his rookie season back in UAAP Season 81. Bates raised his numbers to 3.14 points and 8.43 rebounds a year later.
Bates then signed with NBL1 squad Sutherland before deciding to come back home, playing for Platinum Karaoke in PBA 3×3.