Chris Newsome played a big part in Meralco's winning of the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup championship at the expense of San Miguel Beermen.
It appears Chris Newsome is inching closer to becoming a Meralco lifer.
Newsome signed a three-year contract extension with the Bolts, who drafted him fourth overall in 2015.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo could not help but feel elated with the development.
“To me, it’s a special thing that he stays with us. If you think about it, he could have gone to places. He’s a free agent. I’m very happy that he’s staying with us,” said Trillo Friday, Sept. 5.
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Since 2015, Newsome has gone through plenty of battles that saw him and the Bolts falter in the finals multiple times against Ginebra.
The franchise finally broke through in 2024, winning the Philippine Cup championship at the expense of no less than the San Miguel Beermen.
Newsome was at the center of that conquest, nailing the go-ahead jumper off a curl to give the franchise its first title and earn for himself a Finals Most Valuable Player recognition.
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Chris Newsome provides steady leadership for the Meralco Bolts. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
But not long after, talks swirled about Newsome taking his talents elsewhere. It even intensified after he became an unrestricted free agent at the end of Season 49.
Fortunately for the Bolts, the concurrent Gilas Pilipinas star is ultimately staying put.
“I’m so happy for New. He’s a character all the way. Just to see him from where he started in Ateneo playing the power forward, to being the leader of our team, the leader of the national team, I’m very proud of him,” Trillo said.
“He deserves this contract. He’s gone through a lot of tough times with us, to finally getting the championship, and to being where he is.”