Meralco parades a new import and welcomes the return of Chris Banchero as it marches back into action against New Taipei in the East Asia Super League Home and Away Season today at the New Taipei Xinzhuang gymnasium.
Reinforcement Zach Lofton teams up with big man Prince Ibeh for the Bolts in the 7 p.m. clash
The 31-year-old Lofton, who had a brief stint with the Detroit Pistons in the National Basketball Association, is a big addition for the Meralco side still missing the services of injured Allein Maliksi.
Helping out Meralco in the absence of Maliksi is Banchero, who has recovered from a hamstring injury.
Banchero showed brilliance in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, scoring 18 points in 3-of-5 from three-point range in the team’s 109-95 win over TNT.
The Bolts played with only Ibeh in an 89-61 loss to reigning B. League champion Ryukyu Golden Kings during their EASL debut two weeks ago at the Okinawa Arena in Japan.
Current import Suleiman Braimoh couldn’t accompany Meralco again as the team plays on the road for the second straight time owing to visa issues.
Meralco will need all the help it can get against an opponent that boasts of former NBA player Jeremy Lin and younger brother Joseph Lin.
The Taipei Kings also have in their roster imports Kenny Manigault and Christian Anigwe, naturalized player Quincy Davis, and former Bay Area Dragons gunner Hayden Blankley.
The Lin brothers, Manigault and Anigwe did most of the damage in the 90-72 blowout win over Seoul SK Knights at home.
