MANILA, Philippines—When coach Ryan Gregorio found himself in an unfamiliar spot last season, he knew there should be no complaining.
He knew exactly what he got himself into. He knew there’s no shortcut.
As head tactician of the fledgling Meralco squad— which acquired the Sta. Lucia franchise last year—Gregorio expected an arduous task far from his glory years with Purefoods in the PBA.
But for Gregorio, there’s reason to look forward to Season 37 after an ill-fated conference that saw the Bolts losing top gunner Mac Cardona to injury, dropping heartbreaking games and eventually getting the boot early with a woeful 3-5 record.
For one, Cardona is back in shape and may just bring the Bolts’ firepower back with the plucky Sol Mercado and the arrival of scoring threats Mark Macapagal, Chico Lanete and Mark Yee.
Then there’s also the fresh recruits led by Jason Ballesteros, the 6-foot-8 Smart Gilas stalwart the Bolts picked seventh overall in the recent PBA Draft.
Ballesteros’ San Sebastian teammate Gilbert Bulawan , a second-round pick, is also coming on board along with former Letran player Bryan Faundo, who was signed from the free agent market.
Rounding up the Bolts’ roster are 12-year veteran Asi Taulava, Reynel Hugnatan, Mark Isip, Nelbert Omolon, Yousif Al-Jamal and Gabby Espinas.
“I think we’re a much better team physically and mentally this season than last year with these players around,” said Gregorio, a three-time PBA champion mentor.
“We’ve learned a lot and we expect a greater level of passion and ambition,” added Meralco team governor Ramon Segismundo.
Gregorio said the revamped roster will certainly boost the Bolts’ “numbers on offense” after ranking a poor ninth in field goals (35 percent), fastbreak points (8.5) and assists (15) in the recent Governor’s Cup.
“We’re definitely solid in the two-spot with the addition of Macapagal and Lanete, and the return of Mark Cardona,” said Gregorio.
The addition of Ballesteros, Bulawan, Faundo and Yee will also provide the team much needed toughness, noted Gregorio.
“As a whole, we’re definitely going to be more competitive this time,” said Gregorio.