ILAGAN, Isabela – Meralco finally has the team it envisioned to have just before the kickoff of the EASL Home and Away Season 3.
But for coach Nenad Vucinic, expectations should still be tempered.
While the Serbian mentor acknowledged Justin Brownlee’s arrival gives the team added depth and leeway, it remains to be seen how the Bolts will play together as one when they face the Macau Black Bears in their rematch Saturday at the Capital Arena here.
The 37-year-old Brownlee just began practicing with the Bolts this week, giving him just a short time getting acquainted with the system being run by Meralco under the 60-year Vucinic.
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“Hopefully, it’s not too late,” said a smiling Vucinic to Spin.ph after the Bolts concluded their final practice on the eve of the match.
“Obviously, we didn’t have much time with Brownlee. Still doesn’t have many things we can run, but we’re a good team. Hopefully, we’ll get some chemistry during the game which is very important.”
Brownlee missed the Bolts’ first four games of the season after recovering from an illness in the US.
During that stretch, the team split their games for a 2-2 record, winning its last two outings against Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and the Macau Black Bears.
Nenad said Brownlee looked good in practice, but playing during the game is a completely different thing.
“(He) only have two practices so he can’t learn the things that we do. So we’ll try to keep it simple,” he added about the adjustment Brownlee has to make.
At the same time, he expects to face a highly-motivated Macau team out to get even against the Bolts, who won their first match up, 92-74, in Cebu City three weeks ago.
The Black Bears have also tapped back the services of giant center Sam Deguara.
“We’re playing a very good team with a lot of imports and a lot of size and a lot of good shooters as well. It’s going to be difficult but we hope we can win it,” said Vucinic.
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