Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Getting a new lease on life in his PBA career, Chris Lutz is eyeing to return to the court as early as the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“Hopefully, in a couple of months I’ll be able to play. I think it’s safe to say that maybe, I’ll be cleared by the second conference,” Lutz told INQUIRER.net shortly after Meralco acquired his rights Monday afternoon.
READ: Meralco Bolts sign Chris Lutz
The 6-foot-3 swingman is just grateful for his new opportunity with the Bolts.
“I’m just happy and excited that Meralco wanted to sign me. Coming off my injury, I wasn’t sure what team will be interested in me. So I’m just excited to join Meralco,” he said.
Lutz has been in the injury list since last season as he dealt with a number of issues, most glaringly his ankle injury.
He has been on the road to recovery since, and he just returned from the US last week.
San Miguel, the team that picked him third overall in the 2011 PBA Draft, recently placed Lutz in the unrestricted pool, giving other teams a chance to secure his services.
The 31-year-old Lutz shared the move hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but he’s elated to have this new chapter in his professional career with a team like the Bolts.
It also doesn’t hurt that he has a few familiar faces in the squad, most notably his good friend Chris Newsome.
But Lutz said that regardless of the players in the roster, he would’ve jumped right away as he’s ecstatic to reboot his professional career this season.
“I think regardless if New is there or not, I would have been in Meralco. Having him there is just a big bonus. It’s always great to have someone close to you be a part of the team,” he said.
Lutz admits it was a bittersweet development for him leaving San Miguel, but ultimately, he’s looking forward to the chance to hit the court again.
“Again, I’m happy that Meralco had some interest in me. I can’t wait to play again,” he said.
The Bolts will formally introduce Lutz to the team on Tuesday during practice at Meralco Gym.