It’s looking like the Meralco Bolts are ready to flip the switch with Ismael Romero, controversy or not.
To the surprise of some fans, Luigi Trillo is sticking with the Puerto Rican big man for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup—his first full tour in the league, and in an unlimited-height conference at that. It’s a bold move, no doubt, given the backlash from that Dubai incident where Romero kicked former PBA player Nick Demusis. But Meralco sees potential in the 34-year-old’s raw power and rebounding prowess.
Ismael Romero, the Burly Bruiser with Skills
Then again, Ismael Romero is built like a tank—and he’s shown he can dominate the glass like few others. While the off-court drama has stolen headlines, his on-court game speaks volumes, and he’s got plenty in the tank for a guy who’s been grinding in international leagues for years.In the recent FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers for Puerto Rico, for instance, Romero stepped up big time, dropping 20 points and 10 rebounds in a key win over the Bahamas while shooting efficiently inside.
And during Meralco’s mildly successful EASL run this season, Romero certainly prove to be a handful, putting up 20.5 points, 15.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks on 55% shooting to help the Bolts win three games—the most they’ve won in this tournament.
Last season in Puerto Rico’s BSN with Mets de Guaynabo, Romero put up 18.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 60.2% from the field—proving he’s still got that explosive athleticism at 6-foot-9.
Can Ismael Romero Energize Meralco?
This season, Ismael Romero steps into a stacked PBA scene. The San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang 5G are still the benchmarks with their talent, depth, and championship pedigree.Then there’s the resurgent Converge FiberXers, who’ve leveled up with Calvin Abueva, and the steady Magnolia Hotshots under LA Tenorio’s guidance. Even the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters remain a gritty squad that’s tough to put away.
Add in the unlimited height factor, and Romero—stocky as he is—might face giants taller than him night in and night out.In other words, the 34-year-old enforcer could be in for a shocking PBA debut, especially with Meralco still tweaking its lineup and dealing with the fallout from Dubai. But if he channels that intensity the right way, who knows?
So, can Ismael Romero light up the Bolts and turn controversy into conquest? Meralco fans are certainly hoping he does.
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Other Imports:
Justin Brownlee | Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Cady Lalanne | NLEX Road Warriors
Terrell Brown-Soares | Magnolia Hotshots
Jaylen Johnson | Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Daniel Ochefu | Blackwater Bossing
Mubashar Ali | Terrafirma Dyip
James Dickey III | Phoenix Fuel Masters
Bol Bol | TNT Tropang 5G
Marcus Lee | San Miguel Beermen
Kylor Kelley | Converge FiberXers
