Chris Banchero’s stellar play in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals allowed the Meralco Bolts to overcome Barangay Ginebra and book a finals ticket.

Despite facing a 3-2 disadvantage in the semis, Banchero took charge of the Bolts and even fired 24 points — half of which came from beyond the arc — alongside six rebounds and an assist in their Game 7 win last Friday, May 31, to eliminate Ginebra in Batangas City.

This, in turn, allowed Banchero to be hailed as the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of May 29 to 31.

“I’ve been getting more opportunities this conference, and I’ve been able to capitalize on that,” said Banchero, who is the last player for the season to be recognized for the weekly honor given by reporters from broadsheet, tabloid and online covering the PBA beat.

He bested fellow Bolts Brandon Bates and Chris Newsome, who were also instrumental in their win over Ginebra, but he said he is just living up to the expectations of coach Luigi Trillo, active consultant Nenad Vucinic and their whole team.

“They have a lot of belief in me to make plays for the team, and to be a leader for the team,” said Banchero, who was signed by Meralco in early 2022 after becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Now, the Filipino-Italian will be looking to continue with his stellar play as they enter the All-Filipino finals stage for the first time ever.

They will be taking on the San Miguel Beermen in a best-of-seven series which will start on Wednesday, June 5, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. (ABS-CBN News)