Newsome to join Gilas from Taipei

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February 5, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco is a win away from gaining a slot in the EASL Final Four but beating the New Taipei Kings by at least four points at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium on Feb. 12 to make it via the quotient system is a challenge. Bolts coach Luigi Trillo said with Akil Mitchell, DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame in harness, the job is doable.

Chris Newsome will suit up against the Kings and the day after, he’s taking a flight from Taipei straight to Doha to join Gilas for a pocket tournament in preparation for the third FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window. In another EASL game, winless San Miguel Beer plays Suwon in Korea on Feb. 12. It’s likely June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez will skip the Suwon game and fly from Manila to Doha with Gilas on Feb. 13. The Beermen are out of contention in EASL.

In EASL’s Group B standings, Ryukyu is No. 1 at 5-1, New Taipei No. 2 at 3-2, Macau No. 3 at 3-3, Meralco No. 4 at 2-3 and Busan No. 5 at 1-5. If Meralco beats New Taipei by four, the Bolts will advance with a +16 over the Kings at +15 and Macau at -31 from a three-way tie for No. 2. The Final Four is set in Macau on March 7-9. If Meralco clinches No. 2, it will battle Group A No. 1 Hiroshima on March 7 with the winner vying for the $1 million first prize in the final on March 9.

“We have a legit chance,” said Trillo. “Hopefully, Akil and DJ are healthy. They make a difference. Ange and New will join us in Taipei. We’re excited about the possibilities. We have to really focus on things we need to do to beat the Kings.” New Taipei is led by superstar Jeremy Lin, his brother Joseph, Asian import Sani Sakakini of Palestine, six-year NBA veteran Austin Daye and triple double threat Kenny Manigault.

Meralco faces Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals in a best-of-three series starting today. If necessary, the quarterfinals will end on Sunday, clearing the way for the Bolts to fly to Taipei for the EASL showdown with the Kings.