Meralco gives update on Justin Brownlee after latest EASL loss

With Meralco’s EASL season unraveling fast, one can only wonder how the Bolts would have looked if six-time PBA champion Justin Brownlee was on the lineup.

Following Sunday’s loss to the Taoyuan Pilots, Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo gave an update on Brownlee’s absence, confirming that the naturalized Filipino star remains an option for the Bolts’ EASL campaign, though his availability is still being evaluated.

“We’re waiting for Justin,” Trillo said after suffering the road loss to the Pilots in Taiwan.

“He [Brownlee] is our naturalized [player] so he’s an option to play. But we have an option between him and another player. He would be a big help if he was here,” Trillo added.

The Bolts will have choices to go for as they look to turn things around in their remaining Group B schedule.

Meralco reportedly signed Sina Vahedi, who led Iran in scoring during the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.

The Bolts also have Ange Kouame listed as another naturalized option in their EASL roster.

“Right now, there’s a couple of guys coming in, we have a player from Iran, [Sina] Vahedi. This is who we have right now, and I think our guys are capable. It’s just hard when we’re transferring from one tournament to the other. We know we can do better,” Trillo said.

The Bolts fell to 0-2 after losing to the Pilots, 82–72, on Sunday, November 2, at the Taoyuan Arena.

Despite a late rally, Meralco struggled for most of the game, shooting just 34 percent from the field and managing only 47 points through three quarters.

Ismael Romero led the way with 26 points and 17 rebounds, while Rondae Hollis-Jefferson posted 22 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, but hit only 6-of-25 shots. 

Meralco will get another crack at the Pilots when the Bolts host them on November 8.

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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]