By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Meralco Bolts fortified its guard rotation ahead of the resumption of the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup after gaining the services of Chris Banchero.

Bolts head coach Norman Black confirmed the acquisition of Banchero after the latter turned down the contract extension extended to him by the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.

“We’re happy to have Chris join us,” Black said. “His experience and talent are evident, now the next step is to have him adjusted as quickly as possible. We look forward to having Chris join our next practice.”

Black added that the arrival of the 32-year-old Banchero was also timely for the Bolts after the departure of Nard John Pinto, who chose to sign with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings.

Prior to the transfer, Banchero had solid averages of 18.0 points on 55.4-percent shooting, 4.4 dimes, 3.6 boards, and 2.4 swipes in five games in the Governors’ Cup for Phoenix.

The Bolts is Banchero’s fourth team in the PBA after starting his career with the Alaska Aces before being traded to Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots and later to the Fuel Masters.

Meanwhile, NorthPort Batang Pier will also be decimated when the season-ending conference resumes on February 11 as star guard Robert Bolick opted not to sign a contract renewal.

In a report by Tiebreaker Times on Wednesday, it said that the former San Beda University Red Lion decided not to sign a new deal with NorthPort but the squad still has a chance to match any offer that will be given to Bolick.

However, Watchmen Daily Journal learned from a source that the Leyte-native Bolick is likely to explore his options of playing as an Asian Quota Player in the Japan Basketball League.

The 6-foot-1 Bolick averaged 20.5 points, 9.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in four games for the Batang Pier in the Governors’ Cup, all of which were losses./ASC, WDJ