Trillo proud to see two Meralco players now on Gilas

Meralco coach Luigi Trillo talks to his player Chris Newsome during a game in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—For a while now, Meralco coach Luigi Trillo has been so used to seeing just one of his players compete for Gilas Pilipinas in Chris Newsome.

This month, though, Meralco will see another player wear the country’s colors with Brandon Bates part of Gilas’ roster for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

According to Trillo, seeing two of his wards represent the Philippines is seeing them reach the “highest level of their career.”

READ: Brandon Bates gives Gilas size, mobility in Asiad, says Trillo

“That’s the highest level of a player’s career. When you get to the PBA, you’re there, but when you get to a national team, that’s another level,” he told the Inquirer on Sunday.

“I’m proud of New, I’m proud of Brandon. It’s a responsibility. Normally, these guys should have day-offs but they don’t. There’s a lot of sacrifices and honestly, I think those two really want to do it.”

Newsome continued his complete attendance with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers after playing against Jordan and Iran in the fourth window last week.

Just a few weeks after that, Bates will make his debut for the national team when Gilas defends its Asiad title.

“There’s so much pride in that. We’re very proud of them. I think it’s an honor and privilege to be part of that,” Trillo said.