MERALCO has brought in Zach Lofton as its second import for the East Asia Super League (EASL) due to the unavailability of Su Braimoh.
Head coach Luigi Trillo said Lofton has already been practicing alongside Prince Ibeh, Meralco’s other import in the EASL, and Braimoh, the Bolts’ import in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Meralco's problem with Braimoh visa
Trillo explained Lofton was signed up as Braimoh isn’t allowed to travel outside the Philippines and return.
“He has a Nigerian passport. They don’t allow multiple entry anywhere around the world. We tried to talk to Immigration already. It’s still on hold. We have three imports practicing with us,” said Trillo.
The Bolts are scheduled to play on the road against the New Taipei Kings on Wednesday, after suffering an 89-61 defeat to Japan B.League side Ryukyu Golden Kings last November 15 with Ibeh as the lone import.
A product of San Jacinto, Illinois State, Texas Southern, and New Mexico State, Lofton began his professional career with the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Summer League and the Grand Rapids Drive in the NBA G League.
Meralco explains choice of Lofton
Lofton also played in Germany, Lebanon, and Libya before signing up with the Bolts.
Meralco decided to sign the 6-foot-4 Lofton because of its need for guards following injuries to Aaron Black and Allein Maliksi. Fortunately for the Bolts, Chris Banchero has returned for the Bolts after recovering from a hamstring injury.
“He is a dynamic guard who will help us,” said Trillo, who added active consultant Nenad Vucinic was responsible for bringing in Lofton. “We didn’t know the situation of CB, we have Bong, Allein, and AB out. You like to bring two big imports but at this time, that might be good for us because we are lacking guards.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
