Help has arrived for Meralco as Ange Kouame and Sina Vahedi join the 12-man roster ahead of the Bolts’ rematch with the Taoyuan Pilots in the EASL.
Help has arrived for the Meralco Bolts.
In a bid to turn their EASL campaign around, the Bolts have added Ange Kouame and Sina Vahedi to their 12-man roster ahead of their crucial home game against the Taoyuan Pilots on Saturday, November 8.
With Justin Brownlee still unavailable, head coach Luigi Trillo is turning to fresh reinforcements to give his squad the much-needed lift after a 0–2 start in Group B.
[ALSO READ: Meralco gives update on Justin Brownlee after latest EASL loss]
Kouame is set to make his first appearance this season, bringing size, defense, and hustle to Meralco’s interior.
The former Gilas Pilipinas stalwart previously suited up for the Bolts in last year’s EASL edition, averaging 7.3 points and 6.2 rebounds and will once again take the naturalized player spot in place of Brownlee.
Known for his rebounding and rim protection, Kouame’s presence should ease the load on world imports Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero, who have carried much of the work in the early part of the tournament.
Ange Kouame talks to Meralco active consultant Nenad Vucinic during last year’s EASL game | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Joining Kouame is a dynamic 24-year-old guard in Sina Vahedi, who is line for his Meralco and EASL debut.
Vahedi turned heads during the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 last August where he averaged 17.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists to lead Iran to a bronze medal and earn a spot on the tournament’s All-Star Five.
Vahedi was also part of Iran’s national team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
His arrival injects new offensive creativity for the Bolts, complementing the veteran backcourt duo of Chris Newsome and Chris Banchero.
Aside from chasing their first victory, Meralco also seeks redemption against the same Pilots squad that handed them a 92–82 defeat just six days ago in Taiwan.
[ALSO READ: Chris Newsome, Meralco Bolts seek revenge, EASL breakthrough in hosting Taoyuan Pilots]
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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.