There will be extra motivation for Chris Banchero as the Meralco Bolts aim to notch their first EASL win, with the veteran guard also set to play in his mother’s home province of Isabela.
For Chris Banchero, tomorrow’s East Asia Super League (EASL) clash against the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots will be more than just another game — it’s a homecoming of sorts.
The veteran Meralco Bolts guard is set to play in Isabela, the home province of his mother, and Banchero couldn’t hide his excitement about the chance to compete in front of relatives and fans from the region.
“I’m extremely excited to play where my mother’s from. To have my family there — it’s a blessing for them to be able to come and watch me play basketball, especially at such a high level,” Banchero shared.
The 36-year-old added that the opportunity to play close to his roots gives him extra motivation as Meralco looks to turn things around after a 0–2 start in the tournament.
“EASL is one of the best leagues in the world, and the talent that people in that city will be able to watch is going to be amazing for everybody,” Banchero said.
“Not many people from Isabela get to watch this type of competition. It’s going to be a special experience for all of us,” he added.
The timing couldn’t be better as Meralco is desperate for a breakthrough after falling to the same Taoyuan squad, 82–72, in Chinese Taipei in its last outing.
[ALSO READ: Romero, Meralco Bolts fall to Taoyuan Pilots, drop to 0-2 in EASL Group B play]
Banchero finished with nine points in that loss, while imports Ismael Romero and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson combined for 48 markers carried most of the scoring load.
Saturday’s matchup at 6:10 p.m. will open a two-game home stretch for the Bolts in the last two months of the year, and there’s simply no more room for error for the 2024 Philippine Cup champions if they hope to stay in playoff contention.
[ALSO READ: Meralco gives update on Justin Brownlee after latest EASL loss]
Meralco currently sits at the bottom of Group B, behind the unbeaten Pilots (2–0) and the Ryukyu Golden Kings (1–1), while the Macau Black Bears have yet to see action in the tournament.
—
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.