The PBA on Tour games provide a testing ground for the new coaching staff.
Nine years in as coach for the Meralco Bolts, Luigi Trillo is bent to make a difference as he elevates to head coaching duties. The Bolts, after all, remain title-less after four Finals appearances in the PBA.
Running alongside Trillo is Nenad Vucinic, who was appointed as active consultant. The mentoring duo seeks to implement a new system, and they are looking at a wealth of repetitions for their team as the PBA on Tour, a preseason series for PBA clubs, continues.
"Bagong sistema namin ni coach Nenad, so at least masusubukan ngayon," Trillo said via the official PBA website on Tuesday.
"Kailangan makita natin kung kaya nilang [players] mag-adapt sa sistema," the coach added.
Aside from implementing a new system, Trillo will also have to address the challenge of putting out enough bodies for their upcoming games, given the injuries to several team members like Aaron Black, Chris Banchero, Franky Johnson, and Diego Dario.
It’s a welcome problem for the former PBA Coach of the Year, as this will allow him to look deeper into his roster.
"Piga lang kung sino puwedeng maglaro, give them an opportunity to showcase kung ano sila," said the veteran drillmaster.
"Solid na kami, pero siyempre you're looking for the right mix," he added.
Trillo was appointed head coach last May 8, replacing multi-titled tactician Norman Black, in a move seen as an ushering of a new era for Meralco. Black remains with the team, holding a new role as team consultant.
“I now look forward to helping the team in my capacity as team consultant in our continued quest to bring a championship to the Meralco franchise," the former PBA import said in a statement.
Meralco takes on NorthPort Batang Pier on Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.