In order to finally turn the dream of a first-ever PBA championship into reality, Meralco is looking at Chris Banchero to continue what he has done for most of the Philippine Cup campaign.
Banchero’s performance in the decisive win over Barangay Ginebra in Game 7 of their semifinal series typified why the veteran guard has been getting plenty of trust in doing his thing.
“I’ve been getting more opportunities this conference and I’ve been able to capitalize on that,” said Banchero, who got the nod as the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week for the period of May 29 to 31.
He is the last player for the season to be recognized for the weekly honor given by reporters from broadsheet, tabloid and online covering the PBA beat, especially after putting up 24 points in Meralco’s 78-69 victory over Ginebra at FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas.
The win, also supported by rookie Brandon Bates and Chris Newsome, who the scribes also considered for the honor, allowed Meralco to finally beat Ginebra in a best-of-seven series while arranging a title showdown with San Miguel Beer.
Meralco advanced despite going down 3-2 in the semis, avoiding elimination with a Game 6 win at Smart Araneta Coliseum despite Banchero only having nine points on 4-of-14 shooting and bothered by an injured finger, but added nine rebounds and eight assists.
He made 10 of 24 shots in Game 7, including four threes, with six rebounds to emerge as among the heroes of the Bolts’ triumph.
Coach Luigi Trillo and active consultant Nenad Vucinic’s confidence in Banchero have led to perhaps his best run of form since joining Meralco.
The Bolts signed Banchero in early-2022 after becoming an unrestricted free agent.
“They have a lot of belief in me to make plays, to make plays for the team and to be a leader for the team,” he said.
