By WAYLON GALVEZ
Veteran Ginebra guard LA Tenorio said yesterday that Meralco now has depth on its roster which the Bolts could use to their advantage against them in their PBA Governors’ Cup Finals series.
“I think, personally for me, I think they have the advantage,” said Tenorio.
“Medyo ibang team sila nga-yon with the addition of three key players as compared to the first two championship series na nakaharap namin sila. Mas lumalim sila ngayon sa tingin ko,” added the player known as “Tinyente Tenorio” in the pro league.
The playmaker is referring to Meralco’s recruits in Bong Quinto, who was selected by the Bolts in the second round of the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft, as well as veterans Raymond Almazan and Allein Maliksi, who were obtained in separate trades with Rain or Shine and Blackwater Elite.
The 6-foot-9 Almazan is averaging almost 15 points and 12.1 rebounds as Meralco’s starting center, while Maliksi has nearly nine points and Quinto – a product of Letran – has seven points and two boards a game this conference.
Ginebra only has one new player, Stanley Pringle, but Tenorio said his arrival is a big help to the team.
“Of course malaking bagay yung pagdating sa amin ni Stanley, ang laking tulong,” said Tenorio.
When the two teams clashed for the only time this season last Nov. 3, Meralco dominated Ginebra, 101-77.
It was evident in that game that their additions have given Bolts head coach Norman Black additional firepower to go with his core unit led by former Best Import Allen Durham, as well as Rookie of the Year Chris Newsome.
Tenorio said that Durham is playing at a very high level with averages of 29.64 points, 14.64 rebounds, and 6.27 assists.
Durham’s performance in the semifinals against TNT KaTropa speaks volume of how he wants to return to the finals and help Meralco win the title after two failed attempts against Ginebra.
Justin Brownlee, who steered Ginebra to three championships, including two Governors’ Cup titles, is also playing solid basketball with averages of 27.91 points, 13.36 rebounds, and eight assists per game this conference.