MERALCO won't be only representing the country in the East Asia Super League (EASL), but in another international tournament as well.
The Bolts are bound for Qatar next week to compete in the eight-team Doha International Basketball Championship.
See Meralco takes over as Barangay Ginebra begs off from EASL
Coach Luigi Trillo made the disclosure as the team is now in the process of preparing for the meet topbilled by multi-titled team Sagesse of Lebanon.
Other teams seeing action are Beirut , Zamalek of Egypt, FUS Rabat of Morocco, AL Ahli SC of Qatar, Diljah of Iraq, and AL Ahly of Libya.
Just the other day, the EASL announced Meralco will replace Barangay Ginebra when its first ever home-and-away season begins on Oct. 11.
Trillo admitted it’s going to be a tough competition for the Bolts, who will be reinforced by Feron Hunt.
“They’re very strong club teams,” said the Meralco import of the opposition awaiting his team in Doha.
But the entire Meralco franchise looks forward to the challenge ahead of them.
“It’s an opportunity for us to grow as a team. Nothing gives you an opportunity like that when you go out somewhere else na sama-sama kayo, manalo or matalo,” said Trillo.
The Bolts will be leaving for Doha on Sept. 23, but is scheduled to play a tune up game against Gilas Pilipinas at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna prior to their departure.
Main man Chris Newsome won’t be around for the team as he will be with the national team in the 19th Asian Games, although Trillo expects him to be back for the EASL campaign.
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