Meralco Bolts coach Luigi Trillo, middle, during PBA Finals press conference.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Meralco coach Luigi Trillo showed nothing but respect to San Miguel Beer ahead of their PBA Philippine Cup Finals showdown, which tips off Wednesday.
In the press conference presented by Bingo Plus at Crowne Plaza in Ortigas on Monday, Trillo tipped his hat to the Beermen, who will be looking at them from the other side of the spectrum in the all-Filipino conference’s season-ending best-of-seven series.
“We have a lot of respect for the organization of San Miguel. A lot of classy guys there led by June Mar (Fajardo), a humble guy who’s arguably the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of the PBA. [It’s] him or Ramon Fernandez,” said Trillo. “All around though, it’s not just June Mar. They’re a good team, look at the way they’re built.”
READ: PBA Finals favorite San Miguel wary of rust vs title-hungry Meralco
NOTHING BUT RESPECT 🍻⚡️
Coach Luigi Trillo talks about how much he respects San Miguel en route to the #PBAFinals. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/31TJOhmfI3
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) June 3, 2024
Trillo also offered praise to his counterpart Jorge Gallent, who was appointed head coach of the Beermen during the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup.
“When they say it’s easy to coach an already strong team, that’s not true,” said Trillo.
“Coach Jorge has done a tremendous job of winning their last championship. He has done that in the past. He’s familiar with that [winning],” he added.
READ: Trillo confident of Meralco chances vs San Miguel in PBA Finals
But while Trillo gave San Miguel its flowers ahead of their best-of-seven series, that doesn’t mean Meralco isn’t equipped for the challenge.
“We respect them but at the same time, we believe in our guys. I personally believe that we have enough. It’s not going to be easy.”