Coach Luigi Trillo Says Meralco Bolts Are Ready For Home Game Versus The Ryukyu Golden Kings, With Or Without Chris Newsome On Wednesday
The Meralco Bolts are gunning for a spot in the EASL Finals in a Do-or-Die game against the Ryukyu Golden Kings on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The question remains whether or not Chris Newsome will be suiting up For Meralco.
Newsome suffered a knee sprain during the PBA Philippine Cup Playoffs. Trillo says Newsome's therapy sessions have been positive but remains cautious of his progress, especially on his availability on Wednesday's game against the Ryukyu Golden Kings.
"We'll have to see, it's a day-to-day thing, but he just started today [on Tuesday last week] going the court, so still non-contact," coach Luigi Trillo said on Tuesday after the team's practice at the Meralco gym. "So even if he does play, he won't be 100%. At this point, it's more about his career. Also, you don't want to rush him into things."
With the addition of Jason Brickman and Vince Magbuhos, the rookies could fill in the void left by Newsome should he not be able to play for Meralco on Wednesday. For Trillo, playing in front of the homecrowd is always a good thing.
"Obviously it's nice to play at home. Hopefully the crowd can support us," the Meralco Bolts coach said. "But we like our chances. We like that Jason's here Brickman, you know. Vince [Magbuhos] might crack coach Nenad’s line up."
Trillo spoke highly of Jason Brickman who will suit for the Meralco Bolts for the first time and is looking forward to his matchup with Ryukyu Golden Kings' veteran guard Ryuichi Kishimoto.
"Well, he’s [Jason Brickman] nice to have because if New [Chris Newsome] is not 100% or can't go, we need one more guy, right? So far, two practices, three practices, he's a vet, he seems to pick up things right away, in that type of level," said coach Luigi Trillo. "He's in one thing, going for Jason. He's played in the ABL, he's played in the P. League. He's played overseas."
"He's used to that type of setting and environment. He'd be a decent match up for [Ryuichi] Kishimoto, right? And we'll need Jason. So he's a welcome development to have knowing that we're not 100% with New [Chris Newsome]," Trillo added.