By REYNALD MAGALLON
Meralco now sets its sights on improving its lineup.
After making the coaching change from long-time head coach Norman Black to the partnership of Luigi Trillo and active consultant Nenad Vucinic, the Bolts have now acquired a big man in Norbert Torres to shore up their frontline following the retirement of veteran Reynel Hugnatan.
Meralco got the services of the former La Salle standout after sending seldom-used forward Mac Belo to Rain or Shine.
The PBA trade committee approved the deal on Thursday, May 18.
With the move, the 6-foot-6 Torres is expected to give additional inside presence for the Bolts who were only left with Raymond Almazan and Cliff Hodge to man the painter after Hugnatan moved to an assistant coaching role ending a colorful two-decade career in the league.
Meanwhile, the change of environment could be what Belo needed after being left at the far end of the Meralco bench for the past season despite being fully healthy once again.
Saddled by injuries, Belo failed to make an impact as part of Meralco which acquired him after a trade with Blackwater in 2019.
Drafted in third overall in 2016 with high expectations on him after a splendid amateur career, Belo slowly faded from the limelight but could finally reach his potential under the tutelage of Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao.
The move that landed Belo was also the second transaction Rain or Shine got in the offseason after trading Mike Nieto to Converge for a pair of second round picks.
