PBA: Chris Banchero, Meralco ready for Lassiter, San Miguel firepower

Meralco Bolts guard Chris Banchero during the PBA Finals press conference.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—There won’t be shortage of firepower between San Miguel Beer and Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

While the Beermen boast a slew of shooters–led by Marcio Lassiter—that complement superstar big man June Mar Fajardo, the Bolts also have their snipers including Chris Banchero, who is coming off a stellar shooting display in Game 7.

Banchero and Lassiter have a long history together dating back to when they trained for Gilas under then-coach Rajko Toroman in 2009.

READ: ‘Best’ team stands in way of Meralco’s quest for first PBA crown

“It’s always exciting playing against Cio. I’ve known him for a very long time,” said the Filipino-Italian during the PBA Finals press conference at Crowne Plaza in Ortigas on Monday.

“It feels like yesterday he was my roommate when I came to train with Gilas with him and Rajko. He’s one of the best players to ever play in the PBA. Obviously, one of the best shooters.”

San Miguel swingman Marcio Lassiter during the PBA Finals press conference.–PBA IMAGES

READ: PBA record can wait as Marcio Lassiter shoots for another title

Speaking of the best shooters in PBA history, Lassiter is on his way to becoming the league’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made.

The 37-year-old Lassiter, who has 1,224 career 3-pointers, is just 19 triples away from surpassing legend Allan Caidic’s mark for No. 2 on the list while needing just 26 threes to match Jimmy Alapag at No. 1.

Lassiter, however, is just a piece of what makes San Miguel an offensive juggernaut and expect Banchero and Co. to be ready for the challenge.

“They have an amazing team and very well-coached. They have a lot of firepower over on that side and we’re going to try and compete with that.”

“This is going to show where we are in the franchise. I know everybody’s up for the test.”