Despite playing without an import in their PBA Governors’ Cup opener on Wednesday, the Meralco Bolts were one basket away from beating the BJ Johnson‑led Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After the game, Meralco’s leading scorer, CJ Cansino, refused to use Jordon Varnado’s absence as an excuse for the 98-97 loss.
“Hindi naman siya sobrang laking factor kasi ‘yung team namin hindi kami tinuruan ni Coach Nenad [Vucenic] na umasa sa isang import,” Cansino told Rebanse. “Talagang binabagay namin sa sistema namin ‘yung ginagawa namin, pero siyempre, malaking tulong kapag may import. Hindi naman mapagkakaila ‘yun.”
Varnado suited up for Meralco on Wednesday but did not play a single second due to a left calf strain. He has since been listed as day‑to‑day. In his absence, Cansino stepped up once more, pouring in 18 points to lead the Bolts’ attack.
Getting in Game Shape Is the Bigger Challenge
A bigger concern, at least for Cansino, is the Bolts not being in optimal game shape just yet. The former UP Fighting Maroon revealed that the team got back to training only two weeks ago and is still trying to get into game shape as a result.
“Tiwala ako sa team ko na kaya naming mag‑adjust for the next game kasi hirap talaga kami dahil kakabalik pa lang namin mga 2 weeks pa lang,” he said. “So, kailangan namin bumalik agad sa playing shape namin, and hopefully maibalik namin ‘yun for the next game.”
Meralco will return to action this Saturday, when they take on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. And given Rain or Shine’s pedal‑to‑the‑metal style, Cansino and the rest of the Bolts will surely have to be in better condition in a few days’ time.
Meralco Taps Antonio Hester
While the Bolts look to get ready for Rain or Shine, they can take solace knowing that they will not be importless again come Saturday. With Varnado injured, Meralco has tapped Antonio Hester as a temporary replacement.
Hester is no stranger to the PBA, having previously suited up for the Terrafirma Dyip in the 2021‑22 Governors’ Cup, the Magnolia Hotshots in the 2023 Governors’ Cup, and once again for Terrafirma during the 2024 Governors’ Cup. Now, he’ll be reinforcing the Bolts.
With an import in tow and a couple more days to get into shape, Meralco might just be primed for a bounce‑back on Saturday.
