CHRIS Banchero’s return on Sunday comes as a timely boost for Meralco as it battles through an assortment of injuries to start the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
In his first game since being reactivated from the injury list, Banchero finished with 18 points, four assists, and two steals in the Bolts’ 109-95 win over TNT - the Bolts’ third win in four outings.
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Banchero’s performance made up for the absence of key players Allein Maliksi and Aaron Black. Maliksi missed the Sunday game due to a broken nose, while Black has knee problems that will still keep him out for more games.
“It’s nice to see the guys starting to come in,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo. “We know what we are capable of when they are there. When you have a deeper bench, [against] the stronger teams, that’s going to help out right now.”
Banchero’s heroics enabled Meralco to stay in a share of second place with Phoenix Super LPG and Barangay Ginebra in the leaderboard despite the team’s injuries.
“We went to him. In fact, New (Chris Newsome) was settling at the side because our point of attack was CB," Trillo said. "I’m happy for him. I know how he’s been through with us, religiously there in practice, putting in the work, tapos injury here and there. Nice to see his flow."
Banchero went through five weeks of rehabilitation from his injured hamstring. He sees a bright future for Meralco once the team returns to full strength this conference.
“Felt good,” said Banchero on his first game back. “Obviously, the first five minutes had to get used to. Once I got to settle down, it’s back to normal. It felt good. The hamstring is tricky. I’m glad that it felt good the entire night.”
Banchero injury layoff
“I’ve been out for five weeks. I’ve been rehabbing as hard as I can so that I can come back and help the team. I’m glad that Meralco has a lot of patience and they gave me the best physical therapist. I’ve been rehabbing as hard as possible because I know we have the pieces to make a run at it,” said Banchero.
Trillo said Kyle Pascual and Norbert Torres, who have only played for a game this conference, are also set to return.
“Allein, maybe another seven days. AB (Black), maybe another two weeks,” said Trillo.
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