Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo doesn’t expect his new import Shonn Miller to light up the scoreboard like crazy.
But Miller’s acquisition is geared on the defensive facet of the Bolts’ game.
Miller played for Fuerza Regia in the Mexican League where he averaged 11.5 points and six rebounds and his rebounding and athletic nature “can make him a good fit for us,” Trillo said.
Miller is listed at 6-foot-7 but should be measured around 6-foot-6 by the league.
“I don’t expect him to score 40 to 50 points, but I expect a lot from him on the defensive end as he can switch quickly on players,” Trillo added.
But here’s the catch.
Meralco hasn’t decided yet whether to use the new import or stick with Zach Lofton.
Lofton was tapped as replacement import of Su Braimoh and immediately caught on fire by averaging more than 40 points in his first two games.
But during Meralco’s 110-96 loss to Barangay Ginebra on 22 December, Lofton’s number went down to 23.
Still, Meralco is contemplating on giving Lofton, who teams up with Prince Ibeh in reinforcing the Bolts in the East Asia Super League, another chance and they remain undecided on who among Miller and Lofton will be used for Saturday’s out-of-town game against Magnolia in Iloilo.
“We’re not sure yet whether to use Lofton or Miller, that’s why we have yet to make a request for an import, but I consider it a good problem,” Trillo added.
Meanwhile, Miller is on standby for Meralco.
The Bolts are in a good position for a possible top four berth, carrying a 6-2 win-loss record to stay at third spot, just half-game behind second-placer Phoenix.
After Magnolia, Meralco will take on Phoenix in a must-win encounter on 10 January and Terrafirma on 12 January.