By REYNALD MAGALLON
Former NorthPort import Prince Ibeh is set to reinforce Meralco when it takes on Japan B. League’s Ryukyu Golden Kings on the road in the East Asia Super League on Nov. 15.
Ibeh is teaming up with the Bolts’ Commissioner’s Cup import Suleiman Braimoh when they face some very familiar names in the likes of Filipino player Carl Tamayo and Meralco’s former reinforcement Allen Durham in its first game in the home-and-away format.
Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo is optimistic of what Ibeh can bring to the team, especially having the experience of playing around the globe. More importantly, the 6-foot-10 center seemed to have a great character based on the feedback from Northport where Ibeh played in the 2019 and 2022 Commissioner’s Cup.
“We’ve heard he had 100 games last year so he’s been moving around the world. I think with Ibeh, what is important was from Northport, maganda yung pakikisama niya with the players and he does his role well,” said Trillo during the PBA Media Day on Thursday, Oct. 26 at the One Esplanade.
Trillo said Ibeh will still be under evaluation whether he would be a good fit with the team and for the remaining games in the EASL
“Will evaluate and see because the other two teams are also good. The Taipei team has a dominant guard. We’ll evaluate and see how Prince is,” he added.
Trillo also assured that they are putting their best foot forward in the regional league despite also playing in the PBA.
“We want our best there. We understand why Ginebra can’t make it and sa PBA tulungan yan. We are asked to host and excited kami to be one of the teams that will be part of the EASL,” he added.
