by JONAS TERRADO
The Meralco Bolts have enlisted the services of Gani Lawal as import for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup which begins on May 19.
Meralco made the announcement on its social media accounts on Friday as it hopes to have Lawal play a big role in the team’s bid to continue a streak of playoff appearances in import-laden conferences.
Lawal, 30, will make his Philippine debut after stints in the NBA D-League, Poland, China, France, Italy, Turkey, Greece, United Arab Emirates, Sardinia, Iran, Argentina and Japan.
He was also selected in the second round by the Phoenix in the 2010 NBA Draft after three US NCAA seasons with Texas but failed to get a roster spot.
Listed at 6-foot-9 and 240 lbs, Lawal will look to provide the much-needed presence in the paint for the Bolts, who are aiming for a ninth straight appearance in conferences with imports.
Meralco missed the playoffs of the Philippine Cup for the fourth straight year after placing 11th with a 3-8 record.
