LAS VEGAS – Puerto Rican national player Israel Romero teams up with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as the second import of Meralco in its return campaign in the EASL Home and Away Season 3.
Meralco governor Atty. Bill Pamintuan disclosed the signing of the 6-foot-9 Romero as the Bolts’ other import in what should be an explosive partnership with Hollis-Jefferson and Justine Brownlee, who will play as the team’s naturalized player.
The Meralco executive added the Bolts are still looking for a possible Asian import to strengthen their roster since under EASL rules, teams are allowed to tap two imports, one naturalized player, and an Asian import.
READ Brownlee, RHJ set for dream team-up at Meralco in EASL season
Pamintuan said Romero will arrive to join Meralco in two weeks' time.
"He's coming over on Sept. 22 so that he can start practicing with the team," he said.
“This on our 50th season, we want to win the EASL,” said PBA chairman Ricky Vargas. The Bolts will represent Asia’s first ever play-for-pay league in the regional tournament for the third straight time this October.
Meralco fell short of qualifying in the Final Four during its two previous stints in the meet, including a double-overtime 109-96 loss to the New Taipei Kings in a battle for the last semis slot in Season 2.
Now, the league is leaving no stone unturned by bringing together Brownlee and Hollis-Jefferson in one team.
“Lalaro na si Brownlee, lalaro pa si Rondae. So maganda ito para sa atin,” said PBA vice-chairman Alfrancis Chua, who paved the way for the two former Best Import to team up together at Meralco.
Romero, 34, is a Cuban-Puerto Rica, who played for the Magnificos Los Gallos in the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila.
A teammate in that Puerto Rico unit was Chris Ortiz, who reinforced Blackwater in the 2023-2024 Commissioner’s Cup.
Meralco's local core is still expected to be anchored by Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, Chris Banchero, Raymond Almazan, Bong Quinto, Aaron Black, Jansen Rios, and Brandon Bates.
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