New Meralco recruit Chris Banchero expected to suit up on Sunday vs Ginebra

The Meralco Bolts had more than enough firepower to defeat the NLEX Road Warriors, 110-100, in the restart of the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup Friday but they didn't even have their full arsenal available in the contest.

They have another big gun that they held out from this one: Chris Banchero, who recently inked a deal with Meralco after becoming an unrestricted free agent.

According to Bolts head coach Norman Black, they are expecting to field Banchero when they take on defending champion Ginebra on Sunday.

"He's a big addition to our team, we're fortunate enough to recruit him. Chris just joined us in the practice yesterday for the first time and he looked pretty good," Black said in the post-game press conference.

"I'm thinking he will play on Sunday against Ginebra. I think he'll bring a lot to the team, he can score the basketball, he defends well, [and] he can pass the basketball also. He just brings us another weapon."

Banchero previously saw action for Phoenix Super LPG, where he was the leading scorer before the league suspended the game due to a rise in COVID-19 cases.

The Filipino-Italian guard averaged 18 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.4 steals in five games he played for the Fuel Masters.

However, he opted not to sign a new contract with Phoenix, prompting Meralco to come up with an offer.

"Chris is one of the best point guards in the league and also one of my best friends so chemistry wise, it's good to have him here," said Meralco veteran Cliff Hodge, who finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds in tonight's victory.

"And I can't wait for him to suit up, hopefully next game he'll be able to play. He's a huge addition to our team."

Meralco will look to keep its record unscathed when it battles Ginebra on Sunday at 6:45 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

—JMB, GMA News