ALLEIN Maliksi returns to Meralco after playing for a paltry two games last season with the Bolts due to an injury.
Maliksi did not play in all but a pair of matches for the Bolts in the 49th Season after a case of sciatica where the pain of reaches from the back to the leg.
For the start of the 50th Season, Maliksi is healthy, even playing in the tune-up games of the Bolts before they go up against Titan Ultra on Wednesday at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.
READ: Meralco wary of tough Titan Ultra in franchise's first PBA game
The 38-year-old Maliksi admitted he was disappointed with his injury after one of the best seasons of his career when Meralco won its first-ever PBA championship during the 2024 Philippine Cup.
“Actually, medyo nakakahinayang. Parang ako naman, moving forward. Pero ‘yun talagang na-feel ko, nakakahinayang kasi parang ang ganda na sana na naka-championship kami and then, tuluy-tuloy na sana na naka-championship kami and then tuluy-tuloy na sana na magkaroon kami ng momentum na to have another shot sa pang-championship,” said Maliksi.
Maliksi’s last appearance was during Meralco’s Christmas Day 2024 game against Converge where he had five points in 13 minutes and 57 seconds of action.
“Pero wala na akong magawa kasi injuries happen. So parang ‘yung focus ko is just come back. ‘yung una, makakabalik ako ng mas maaga. But ‘yun nga, ‘yung unang injury ko, nagkaroon ako ng panibagong injury. So unexpected ‘yung nangyari,” he continued.
Meralco missed the outside sniping of Maliksi last season.
The Bolts were in a tie for ninth in three pointers made with 286 along with fellow playoff team Magnolia and league doormat Terrafirma, with Phoenix at dead last with 259.
Now that he is back, Maliksi’s only goal is to help in any way he can to make up for lost time.
“As a vet, kailangang maging efficient ako sa role ko na bibigay nila coach sa akin. ‘Yun lang ‘yung magiging focus ko right now. Makatulong sa next conference,” said Maliksi.
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