TWO other members of Meralco’s maiden PBA championship won’t be returning for another tour of duty with the franchise.
Alvin Pasaol and Jolo Mendoza were officially let go by the Bolts after being part of the team’s bench mob during its breakthrough title run during the 2023-24 Philippine Cup.
Coach Luigi Trillo confirmed the exit of the two, together with veteran big man Norbert Torres.
READ: Ginebra to sign Norbert Torres from unrestricted free agent list
The 35-year-old Torres is joining Barangay Ginebra as an unrestricted free agent.
“Alvin is not with us. But the thing I’m proud about Alvin, Jolo, and Norbert, they are a very big part of what we did. I’m proud of their journey and I’m so happy for them,” said Trillo during the final day of the Draft Combine at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
“I’m very happy for them. They’ll always be a part of the Meralco team.”
Pasaol, Mendoza's next steps
Pasaol, 30, was a first round pick of the Bolts in the 2020 Draft (No. 9 overall) following a standout collegiate career as the main man of University of the East.
The stretch forward was initially listed by MPBL defending champion Pampanga Giant Lanterns as part of their 22-man roster and is now eligible to be signed by any team, as his Meralco contract already expired at the end of June.
Mendoza, meanwhile, was the Bolts' third round pick in the 2023 Draft at 32nd overall.
A two-time UAAP champion with Ateneo, the streaky-shooting guard is now with the Abra Weavers in the MPBL as well.
“I check up with them and I know they’ve gotten better contracts,” said Trillo of his two former players. “I think Jolo is in the MPBL. Si Alvin, I know some PBA and MPBL teams are looking at him.”
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