By JONAS TERRADO
MAC Belo is thrilled with the prospect of playing in the games that matter now that he is part of the Meralco Bolts.
The Bolts shore up their roster before the start of the PBA season by acquiring the versatile forward from the Blackwater Elite in exchange for playmaker Baser Amer and veteran big man Bryan Faundo.
With Belo around, Meralco has boosted its chances of exceeding the breakthrough semifinal appearance in last season’s Philippine Cup, something that excites the former Far Eastern University star.
“Gusto ko kasi makilala as a winner and dream ko talaga makapag-champion sa PBA kasi lahat ng pro gustong magchampion,” Belo said during his appearance on the Power and Play program of former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala.
“With the Meralco team, malaki chances ko na makamit yung pangarap na yun. Basta gagawin ko best ko every game na makatulong sa team at makakuha ng panalo,” said Belo, who was born in Midsayap, Cotabato.
Belo has never made it past the quarterfinals during his four-year stay with the Ever Bilena franchise.
Apart from the chance to win more ballgames at Meralco, Belo couldn’t wait for a chance to learn from his new teammates and coach Norman Black.
“Sa totoo lang, naeexcite at nachachallenge ako at may konting pressure din na makapaglaro kay Coach Norman,” said Belo. “Pinapanood ko highlights ni Coach Norman (as a player) at talagang unstoppable. Ang gusto ko matuto sa kanya, especially sa mga senior players ng Meralco kasi kilala na sobrang beterano maglaro sa PBA. So gusto kong matuto sa kanila.”
Belo is expected to play a prominent role on the Meralco frontline which still has veteran forward Reynel Hugnatan, center Raymond Almazan, hardworking Cliff Hodge and Noy Baclao, who is set to play in the season-opening Philippine Cup after nursing an ACL injury.
He can also provide the scoring punch that will compliment leading scorer Chris Newsome and swingman Allein Maliksi.
