Black admits Baclao’s presence in PBA bubble could have made them deadlier

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Now that Meralco Bolts’ run in the PBA bubble Philippine Cup was cut short by ultimate rivals Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel, head coach Norman Black is contemplating his team’s roster development before getting into Pampanga.

It was known that reliable center Noy Baclao was signed by the Bolts during the off-season but the Meralco management decided not to include him in the final lineup heading into the PBA bubble.

Baclao just recovered from a ruptured right patellar tendon but was already given clearance to play for the bubble according to coach Black.

“The one person we’ve missed on this trip is Noy Baclao. He would have helped a great deal as far as our depth. He’s been OK for about a month now,” said coach Black.

However, despite the Bolts’ medical staff already clearing Baclao to play, he was still not included in the final 15 and will probably see action in the next PBA season.

“He would have been able to guard Japeth, been able to guard Caperal. And of course, he’s a very intelligent person defensively. So he would have able to help us a great deal,” added coach Black.

Coach Black mentored Baclao during the latter’s collegiate days with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.