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{{About|the PBA team|the original Meralco basketball team|Meralco Reddy Kilowatts}}
{{Short description|Philippine professional basketball team}}
{{About|the MERALCO PBA basketball team|the original MERALCO team|Meralco Reddy Kilowatts}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox PBA team
{{Use Philippine English|date=September 2022}}
| current = 2015–16 Meralco Bolts season
{{Multiple issues|
{{More citations needed|date=October 2022}}
{{Update|date=October 2022}}
}}
{{Infobox NBA team
| current = 2024–25 Meralco Bolts season
| name = Meralco Bolts
| name = Meralco Bolts
| logo = Meralco Bolts logo.svg
| logo = Meralco Bolts logo.svg
| founded = 2010
| founded = 2010
| history = '''Meralco Bolts''' (2010–present)
| history = '''Meralco Bolts''' (2010–present)
| colors = Orange, Blue, White, Black<br>{{Color box|#FB6E1B}} {{Color box|white}} {{color box|#0D3781}}
| colors = Navy blue, orange, white<br />{{color box|#{{PBA color|Meralco Bolts|1}}}} {{color box|#{{PBA color|Meralco Bolts|3}}}} {{color box|#{{PBA color|Meralco Bolts|2}}}}
| company = [[Meralco|Manila Electric Company]]
| company = [[Meralco|Manila Electric Company]]
| owner = [[Manuel V. Pangilinan]]
| owner = [[Manuel V. Pangilinan]]
| board_governor = [[Al Panillio]]<br>[[Betty Siy-Yap]] (alternate)<br>[[Ryan Gregorio]] (alternate)
| board_governor = [[William Pamintuan]]<br />[[Maria Luisa Alvendia]] (alternate)<br />[[Ryan Gregorio]] (alternate)
| manager = [[Paolo Trillo]]
| manager = [[Paolo Trillo]]
| coach = [[Norman Black]]
| coach = [[Luigi Trillo]]
| affiliation = [[Meralco Bolts 3x3]]
| titles =
| championships = '''1 championship'''
| pattern l=_meralco-2014_l |body l= |patterns l=_meralco-2014_l |shorts l= |title l=Light uniform
[[2023–24 PBA season|2024]] [[2024 PBA Philippine Cup|Philippine]]
| pattern d=_meralco-2014_d |body d= |patterns d=_meralco-2014_d |shorts d= | pattern a=_meralco-2014_a |body a= |patterns a=_meralco-2014_a |shorts a= |title d=Dark uniform
5 Finals appearances
| 1_pattern_b=_meralco-2014_l |1_body= |1_pattern_s=_meralco-2014_l |1_shorts= |1_title=Light uniform
| 2_pattern_b=_meralco-2014_a |2_body= |2_pattern_s=_meralco-2014_a |2_shorts= |2_title=Dark uniform
| 3_pattern_b=_meralco-2014_d |3_body= |3_pattern_s=_meralco-2014_d |3_shorts= |3_title=Alternate uniform
}}
}}
{| class="infobox" style="font-size: 88%; width: 22em; text-align: center"
! colspan="3" style="{{PBA color cell|Meralco Bolts|border=2}}"|<big>{{center|1=<span style="color:#FFFFFF;">Active affiliates of Meralco Bolts</span>}}</big>
|-
| [[Image:Basketball pictogram.svg|30px]]
| [[Image:Football pictogram.svg|30px]]
| [[Image:Volleyball pictogram.svg|30px]]
|-
| '''Basketball'''
| [[F.C. Meralco Manila|Football]]
| [[Meralco Power Spikers|Volleyball]]
|}


The '''Meralco Bolts'''<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/199316/meralco-ginebra-game-to-open-pbas-36th-season Meralco-Ginebra game to open PBA’s 36th season], GMANews.TV, August 24, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=606216&publicationSubCategoryId=69 Consumers won't pay for Bolts], Sporting Chance by [[Quinito Henson|Joaquin Henson]], Philippine Star, August 26, 2010.</ref> is a professional basketball team in the [[Philippine Basketball Association]]. The team began in 2010 after the [[Meralco|Manila Electric Company]] (Meralco) acquired the PBA franchise of the [[Sta. Lucia Realtors]].<ref>http://www.pba-online.net/post/meralco-makes-power-move--joins-pro-league.html</ref> The team is one of three PBA teams under the control of businessman [[Manuel V. Pangilinan]] - the other teams being the [[Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters]] and the [[NLEX Road Warriors]].
The '''Meralco Bolts'''<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/199316/meralco-ginebra-game-to-open-pbas-36th-season Meralco-Ginebra game to open PBA’s 36th season] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827121637/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/199316/meralco-ginebra-game-to-open-pbas-36th-season |date=August 27, 2010 }}, GMANews.TV, August 24, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=606216&publicationSubCategoryId=69 Consumers won't pay for Bolts], Sporting Chance by [[Quinito Henson|Joaquin Henson]], Philippine Star, August 26, 2010.</ref> is a professional basketball team in the [[Philippine Basketball Association]]. The team began in 2010 after the [[Meralco|Manila Electric Company]] (MERALCO) acquired the PBA franchise of the [[Sta. Lucia Realtors]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.pba-online.net/post/meralco-makes-power-move--joins-pro-league.html |title=Meralco makes power move, joins pro league |date=10 August 2010 |access-date=August 16, 2010 |archive-date=August 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816051758/http://pba-online.net/post/meralco-makes-power-move--joins-pro-league.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The team is one of three PBA teams presently under the control of businessman [[Manuel V. Pangilinan]] the other teams being the [[TNT Tropang Giga]] and the [[NLEX Road Warriors]].


==History==
==History==
===MICAA days===
On June 2010, there were reports that Meralco expressed interest in joining the PBA and intended to buy either [[Sta. Lucia Realtors|Sta. Lucia]]'s or [[Barako Energy Coffee Masters|Barako Bull]]'s franchise after both teams unloaded most of their major players.<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/194365/meralco-eyes-cage-return-via-pba-next-season Meralco eyes cage return via PBA next season], Rey Joble, GMANews.TV, June 24, 2010</ref> After Barako Bull informed the board that they intended to stay with the league for the 2010-11 season, Sta. Lucia then filed a "leave of absence."<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/195950/barako-to-compete-anew-slr-bids-goodbye Barako to compete anew; SLR bids goodbye] Rey Joble, GMANews.TV, July 13, 2010</ref> On August 10, the PBA board finally approved the sale of the Sta. Lucia franchise to Meralco. The team would be named the '''Meralco Bolts'''.
{{main|Meralco Reddy Kilowatts}}
The MERALCO Reddy Kilowatts was a powerhouse basketball team that played in the Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association (MICAA) from 1968 to 1972. Operated by the MERALCO Athletic Club of the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), they briefly joined the MICAA prior to World War II and was re-admitted in 1968. The team was crowned as the 1971 MICAA Open champions, beating the Crispa Redmanizers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manilatimes.net/legacy-reddy-kilowatts/355959/|title=The legacy of Reddy Kilowatts – The Manila Times Online|website=www.manilatimes.net|date=October 11, 2017 |access-date=October 21, 2017|archive-date=October 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021164602/http://www.manilatimes.net/legacy-reddy-kilowatts/355959/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The demise of the YCO-Ysmael Steel rivalry following the breakup of the Ysmael Steel team in 1968, paved the way for the MERALCO-Crispa rivalry starting in 1970. The rivalry came into full-bloom during the 1971 MICAA All-Filipino championship, when Reynoso and Jaworski punched referees Eriberto “Ting” Cruz and Jose “Joe” Obias for what was the duo perceived questionable calls against MERALCO. The incident resulted to lifetime suspensions meter against the two that were lifted eventually so that the two can join the national team in the 1973 Asian Basketball Championship.

The team disbanded in 1972 in the wake of the declaration of [[Martial law in the Philippines#Ferdinand Marcos|Martial Law]] in the Philippines, wherein the Marcos government seized MERALCO from [[Eugenio Lopez Sr.|Eugenio López, Sr]].

===PBA entry and the Sta. Lucia Realtors franchise acquisition===
In June 2010, there were reports that Meralco expressed interest in joining the PBA and intended to buy either [[Sta. Lucia Realtors|Sta. Lucia]]'s or [[Barako Energy Coffee Masters|Barako Bull]]'s franchise after both teams unloaded most of their major players.<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/194365/meralco-eyes-cage-return-via-pba-next-season Meralco eyes cage return via PBA next season] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823032421/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/194365/meralco-eyes-cage-return-via-pba-next-season |date=August 23, 2010 }}, Rey Joble, GMANews.TV, June 24, 2010</ref> After Barako Bull informed the board that they intended to stay with the league for the 2010–11 season, Sta. Lucia then filed a "leave of absence."<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/195950/barako-to-compete-anew-slr-bids-goodbye Barako to compete anew; SLR bids goodbye] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100920071958/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/195950/barako-to-compete-anew-slr-bids-goodbye |date=September 20, 2010 }} Rey Joble, GMANews.TV, July 13, 2010</ref> On August 10, the PBA board finally approved the sale of the Sta. Lucia franchise to Meralco. The team would be named the '''Meralco Bolts'''.


===2010–2011 PBA season===
===2010–2011 PBA season===
The Bolts debuted during the [[2010–11 PBA season|2010-11 season]] with a lineup that included [[Mark Cardona]], [[Asi Taulava]], [[Nelbert Omolon]], [[Marlou Aquino]], [[Beau Belga]], [[Dennis Daa]], [[Chris Ross (basketball)|Chris Ross]], [[Rogemar Menor|Ogie Menor]], [[Pong Escobal]] and [[Chris Pacana]]. [[Shawn Weinstein]], [[Ford Arao]], [[Khasim Mirza]] and [[Riego Gamalinda|Bam-bam Gamalinda]] were the first players to be drafted by the franchise. They started the Philippine Cup with a win against the crowd favorites [[Barangay Ginebra Kings]]. In the middle of the conference, they traded some of their players in exchange for [[Hans Thiele]], [[Mark Isip]] and [[Reed Juntilla]] respectively. They compiled a 7-7 record which was enough to take them to the quarterfinals. However, they lost to the [[B-Meg Llamados|B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados]] 2-0. Before the Commissioner's Cup, they made a huge trade by acquiring [[Solomon Mercado]] along with [[Paolo Bugia]] and [[Eric Rodriguez (basketball)|Erick Rodriguez]]. They also signed 3-point shooter [[Renren Ritualo]]. Despite a revamped roster and imports [[Anthony Dandridge]] and [[Chamberlain Oguchi]], they did not past the eliminations after having a 3-6 record. The same happened during the Governors Cup when they had a 3-5 record.
The Bolts debuted during the [[2010–11 PBA season|2010–11 season]] with a lineup that included [[Mark Cardona]], [[Asi Taulava]], [[Nelbert Omolon]], [[Marlou Aquino]], [[Beau Belga]], Dennis Daa, [[Chris Ross (basketball)|Chris Ross]], [[Rogemar Menor|Ogie Menor]], [[Pong Escobal]] and [[Chris Pacana]]. [[Shawn Weinstein]], [[Ford Arao]], [[Khasim Mirza]] and [[Riego Gamalinda|Bam-bam Gamalinda]] were the first players to be drafted by the franchise. They started the Philippine Cup with a win against the crowd favorites [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Barangay Ginebra Kings]]. In the middle of the conference, they traded some of their players in exchange for [[Hans Thiele]], [[Mark Isip]] and [[Reed Juntilla]] respectively. They compiled a 7–7 record, which was enough to take them to the quarterfinals. However, they lost to the [[Star Hotshots|B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados]] 2–0. Before the Commissioner's Cup, they made a huge trade by acquiring [[Solomon Mercado]] along with [[Paolo Bugia]] and [[Eric Rodriguez (basketball)|Erick Rodriguez]]. They also signed 3-point shooter [[Renren Ritualo]]. Despite a revamped roster and imports Anthony Dandridge and [[Chamberlain Oguchi]], they did not past the eliminations after having a 3–6 record. The same happened during the Governors Cup when they had a 3–5 record.


===2011–2012 PBA season===
===2011–2012 PBA season===
The Bolts rebuilt its line-up during the offseason, releasing [[Renren Ritualo]], [[Hans Thiele]], [[Reed Juntilla]] and [[Paolo Bugia]], as well as acquiring through trades [[Mark Yee]], [[Mark Macapagal]], [[Chico Lanete]], [[Chris Timberlake]] and signing free agents [[Mark Borboran]] and [[Bryan Faundo]]. During the [[2011 PBA Draft]], Meralco selected Gilas reserve Jason Ballesteros, as well as [[Gilbert Bulawan]] to augment their frontline. In the [[2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup]], they finished at 6th place at 8-6 win-loss record but swept by the [[Petron Blaze Boosters]]. In the [[2012 PBA Commissioner's Cup]], they finished at another sixth place at 4-5 on that 102-98 upset win over [[Powerade Tigers]] but in another miss to the semifinals for the Bolts. In the [[2012 PBA Governors Cup]], they finished three straight sixth places in their franchise. In the knockout game for the last semis berth, they defeated the [[Powerade Tigers]], 94-86 to advance to their first semifinals appearance in their franchise history.
The Bolts rebuilt its line-up during the offseason, releasing [[Renren Ritualo]], [[Hans Thiele]], [[Reed Juntilla]] and [[Paolo Bugia]], as well as acquiring through trades [[Mark Yee]], [[Mark Macapagal]], [[Chico Lanete]], [[Chris Timberlake]] and signing free agents [[Mark Borboran]] and [[Bryan Faundo]]. During the [[2011 PBA Draft]], Meralco selected Gilas reserve [[Jason Ballesteros]], as well as [[Gilbert Bulawan]] to augment their frontline. In the [[2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup]], they finished at 6th place at 8–6 win–loss record but swept by the [[Petron Blaze Boosters]]. In the [[2012 PBA Commissioner's Cup]], they finished at another sixth place at 4–5 on that 102–98 upset win over [[Powerade Tigers]] but in another miss to the semifinals for the Bolts. In the [[2012 PBA Governors Cup]], they finished three straight sixth places in their franchise. In the knockout game for the last semis berth, they defeated the [[Powerade Tigers]], 94–86 to advance to their first semifinals appearance in their franchise history.


===2012–2013 PBA season===
===2012–2013 PBA season===
Ramon Segismundo announced the team's uniform for the [[2012-13 PBA season|2012-13 season]] will have similar design features with the 1971 uniforms worn by the [[Meralco Reddy Kilowatts]].<ref>[http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/meralco-to-wear-throwback-micaa-jerseys-in-upcoming-pba-campaign] Rey Joble, InterAKTV, September 22, 2012</ref>
Ramon Segismundo announced the team's uniform for the [[2012-13 PBA season|2012–13 season]] will have similar design features with the 1971 uniforms worn by the [[Meralco Reddy Kilowatts]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/meralco-to-wear-throwback-micaa-jerseys-in-upcoming-pba-campaign |title=Meralco to wear throwback MICAA jerseys in upcoming PBA campaign |first=Rey |last=Joble |website=InterAKTV |date=September 22, 2012 |access-date=September 22, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924012431/http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/meralco-to-wear-throwback-micaa-jerseys-in-upcoming-pba-campaign |archive-date=September 24, 2012 }} Rey Joble, InterAKTV, September 22, 2012</ref>


===2013–14 season===
===2013–14 season===
The Bolts made some offseason moves prior to the start of the season. They acquired "El Granada" [[Gary David]] from [[GlobalPort Batang Pier|GlobalPort]] in exchange for [[Chris Ross (basketball)|Chris Ross]], [[Chris Timberlake]] and Meralco's 2016 and 2017 second round picks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pba.inquirer.net/32415/el-granada-finally-finds-a-new-home|title=EL GRANADA FINALLY FINDS A NEW HOME|last=INQUIRER.net|website=pba.inquirer.net|date=October 11, 2013 |access-date=February 20, 2014|archive-date=October 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016031057/http://pba.inquirer.net/32415/el-granada-finally-finds-a-new-home|url-status=live}}</ref> They have also traded the rights of Asi Taulava to Air21 in exchange for Mike Cortez,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/air21-express-acquire-taulava-from-meralco-in-exchange-for-cortez|title=Air21 Express acquire Taulava from Meralco in exchange for Cortez – SPIN.PH|first=Snow|last=Badua|date=September 6, 2013|access-date=February 20, 2014|archive-date=February 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226174943/http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/air21-express-acquire-taulava-from-meralco-in-exchange-for-cortez|url-status=live}}</ref> shipped Mark Cardona to Air21 via a three-team trade which in the process, acquired [[Rabeh Al-Hussaini]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/al-hussaini-moves-from-tnt-to-meralco-as-air21-lands-cardona-in-complex-three-team-trade-v02|title=Al-Hussaini moves from TnT to Meralco as Air21 lands Cardona in three-team trade deal – SPIN.PH|first=Snow|last=Badua|date=October 14, 2013|access-date=February 20, 2014|archive-date=November 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103193839/http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/al-hussaini-moves-from-tnt-to-meralco-as-air21-lands-cardona-in-complex-three-team-trade-v02|url-status=live}}</ref> They also acquired Kerby Raymundo from Ginebra for Jay-R Reyes. Raymundo has yet to play for the Bolts since he was traded because of a nagging knee injury, and is contemplating retirement.


Midway thru the eliminations, they signed up Danny Ildefonso for the rest of the conference, who was unceremoniously let go by Petron. After realizing that Danny I still has what it takes to play, and can still help the team in terms of his leadership and positive influence, the Bolts signed him for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/positive-influence-danny-ildefonso-signed-by-meralco-for-the-rest-of-season|title='Positive influence' Danny Ildefonso signed by Meralco for the rest of season – SPIN.PH|first=Richard|last=Dy|date=February 18, 2014|access-date=February 20, 2014|archive-date=February 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226172812/http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/positive-influence-danny-ildefonso-signed-by-meralco-for-the-rest-of-season|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Bolts made some offseason moves prior to the start of the season. They acquired "El Granada" [[Gary David]] from [[GlobalPort Batang Pier|GlobalPort]] in exchange for [[Chris Ross]], [[Chris Timberlake]] and Meralco's 2016 and 2017 second round picks.<ref>http://pba.inquirer.net/32415/el-granada-finally-finds-a-new-home</ref> They have also traded the rights of Asi Taulava to Air21 in exchange for Mike Cortez,<ref>http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/air21-express-acquire-taulava-from-meralco-in-exchange-for-cortez</ref> shipped Mark Cardona to Air21 via a three-team trade which in the process, acquired [[Rabeh Al-Hussaini]].<ref>http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/al-hussaini-moves-from-tnt-to-meralco-as-air21-lands-cardona-in-complex-three-team-trade-v02</ref> They also acquired Kerby Raymundo from Ginebra for Jay-R Reyes. Raymundo has yet to play for the Bolts since he was traded because of a nagging knee injury, and is contemplating retirement.


During the PBA Philippine Cup conference, they were off to a good start, and were able to beat top-seed teams like Ginebra. However, they suffered losing streak and ended up in a four-way tie with Alaska, GlobalPort and Barako Bull. Since Barako Bull and GlobalPort have higher quotients, Meralco was forced to play a sudden death game with Alaska Aces to determine the eighth and final playoff spot. The Aces defeated them and thus they were eliminated from playoff contention.
Midway thru the eliminations, they signed up Danny Ildefonso for the rest of the conference, who was unceremoniously let go by Petron. After realizing that Danny I still has what it takes to play, and can still help the team in terms of his leadership and positive influence, the Bolts signed him for the rest of the season.<ref>http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/positive-influence-danny-ildefonso-signed-by-meralco-for-the-rest-of-season</ref>


===2014–15 season===
During the PBA Philippine Cup conference, they were off to a good start, and were able to beat top-seed teams like Ginebra. However, they suffered losing streak and ended up in a four way tie with Alaska, GlobalPort and Barako Bull. Since Barako Bull and GlobalPort have higher quotients, Meralco was forced to play a sudden death game with Alaska Aces to determine the eighth and final playoff spot. The Aces defeated them and thus they were eliminated from playoff contention.
In 2014–15 PBA Philippine Cup conference, they performed well, even eliminating the defending champion [[Purefoods Star Hotshots]], but were later eliminated by [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]]

===2014-15 season===
In 2014-15 PBA Philippine Cup conference, they performed well, even eliminating the defending champion [[Purefoods Star Hotshots]], but were later eliminated by [[Alaska Aces (PBA)|Alaska Aces]]


In 2015 Commissioner's Cup, they are in an undefeated streak due to their good performance. The team also had its import Josh Davis who helped to maintain their great streak.
In 2015 Commissioner's Cup, they are in an undefeated streak due to their good performance. The team also had its import Josh Davis who helped to maintain their great streak.
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In the Governor's Cup, the team tapped [[Seiya Ando]] as their import, alongside [[Andre Emmett]]. Due to this, Ando became the first Japanese import in the league.
In the Governor's Cup, the team tapped [[Seiya Ando]] as their import, alongside [[Andre Emmett]]. Due to this, Ando became the first Japanese import in the league.


===2015-16 season===
===2015–16 season===
The 2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup was not as good as they had before. They suffered the worst with a 1–10 record. However, the team drafted [[Chris Newsome]] and [[Baser Amer]].


The team improved very well in the Commissioner's Cup, where they were led by ex-[[Maccabi Tel Aviv BC]] player [[Arinze Onuaku]], who would win the Best Import of the Conference award. The team also went through some setbacks, with the suspension of [[Gary David]] in a game during an elimination round, due to insubordination. David was later removed from the line-up and becoming an unrestricted agent list.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.inquirer.net/209030/after-suspension-meralco-drops-gary-david|title=After suspension, Meralco drops Gary David|newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|last=Leongson|first=Randolph B.|date=March 17, 2016|access-date=March 17, 2016|archive-date=March 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324055853/http://sports.inquirer.net/209030/after-suspension-meralco-drops-gary-david|url-status=live}}</ref>
The 2015-16 PBA Philippine Cup was not as good as they had before. The suffered the worst with a 1-12 record. However, the team drafted [[Chris Newsome]] and [[Anjo Caram]].


The team also went to the Finals for the first time in their franchise history on the [[2016 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors' Cup]]. The Bolts were able to upset the top-seed TNT KaTropa by winning their best-of-five semifinal series in four games. They faced the crowd favorite [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel]] in the Finals. Meralco entered the Finals as the underdogs, but managed to put up a fight and even steal Game 1. Although [[Barangay Ginebra San Miguel|Ginebra]] won in six games, it was considered to be one of the most entertaining Finals series in recent memory.
The team improved very well in the Commissioner's Cup, where they had a beautiful streak led by ex-[[Maccabi Tel Aviv BC]] player [[Arinze Onuaku]]. Another flaw to the team's campaign in the Commissioner's Cup is the suspension of [[Gary David]] in a game during an elimination round, due to insubordination. David later removed in the line-up and moved to the unrestricted agent list.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.inquirer.net/209030/after-suspension-meralco-drops-gary-david|title=After suspension, Meralco drops Gary David|publisher=''[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]''|last=Leongson|first=Randolph B.|date=March 17, 2016|accessdate=March 17, 2016}}</ref>
Meralco's import, [[Allen Durham]] also won the Best Import award and rookie guard/forward [[Chris Newsome]] won Rookie of the Year.

===2016–17 season===
Before the season, Jimmy Alapag retired again, this time for good.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Former PBA MVP Jimmy Alapag announces retirement - this time 'for good' |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/jimmy-alapag-announces-retirement-this-time-for-good |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}}</ref> The Bolts returned to the [[2017 PBA Governors' Cup Finals|Governors' Cup Finals]] after a worst performance in Philippine Cup and a quarterfinals defeat in the second conference, but this time with a TNT veteran [[Ranidel de Ocampo]]. Even though they recovered on a 0–2 deficit, they still lost by seven games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-10-27 |title=Ginebra prevails in Game 7 to win second straight Govs' Cup title |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/186613-barangay-ginebra-wins-2017-govs-cup-title/ |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref>

===2017–18 season===
For the first time since their first finals appearance, Meralco did not passed the semifinals, as they are defeated by the Alaska Aces in a best of five saga in the [[2018 PBA Governors' Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-17 |title=Alaska edges Meralco in Game 4, advances to finals |url=https://www.espn.com/basketball/pba/story/_/id/25301221/alaska-edges-meralco-game-4-advances-finals |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> It will also be Jared Dillinger's final season with the team.

===2019 season===
With the addition of [[Raymond Almazan]] and [[Allein Maliksi]], the Bolts reached again the [[2019 PBA Governors' Cup Finals|finals]], but facing again Ginebra. They lost in the series in five games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dalupang |first=Denison Rey A. |date=2020-01-17 |title=Ginebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup title |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/381703/ginebra-beats-meralco-again-to-capture-pba-governors-cup-title |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}</ref>

=== 2020 season ===
After the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines|COVID-19]] struck in the Philippines, the league announced to play at a bubble modeled like of the NBA. Only the Philippine Cup was played and they placed fifth in the eliminations. But when they reached semifinals, they lost to their archnemesis Barangay Ginebra.

=== 2021 season ===
The league now will play with two conferences, due to some lowering of regulations by the IATF. Now, Meralco without [[Baser Amer]], after being traded to Blackwater for [[Mac Belo]], was now led by [[Chris Newsome]] and [[Raymond Almazan]]. The Bolts reached the semifinals of the [[2021 PBA Philippine Cup|first conference]] facing the [[Magnolia Hotshots]], but lost in six games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=2021-10-15 |title=Magnolia eliminates Meralco, advances to PBA Finals |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/magnolia-finishes-meralco-advances-to-pba-finals/222114 |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}</ref> They reached the [[2021 PBA Governors' Cup Finals|finals]] again in [[2021 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors' Cup]], but again defeated by Ginebra in six games due to injuries occurred on Almazan.

=== 2022–23 season ===
In the middle of [[2022 PBA Philippine Cup|Philippine Cup]], Norman Black filed leave for personal reasons and replaced by Luigi Trillo for last five games of the elimination round.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-06 |title=Luigi Trillo guides Meralco out of slump as stand-in for Norman Black |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/luigi-trillo-guides-meralco-bolts-out-funk-stand-in-norman-black/ |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref> Trillo led the team to the first playoff victory against Barangay Ginebra in Game 3.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-31 |title=Meralco averts disaster, boots out Ginebra in breakthrough playoff win to reach semis |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/philippine-cup-quarterfinals-results-meralco-bolts-barangay-ginebra-july-31-2022/ |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref> Black returned after Game 1 loss against San Miguel Beermen and led the team to tie the series, but wasn't enough to win the series and lost in seven games.

After a bad performance in [[2022–23 PBA Commissioner's Cup|Commissioner's Cup]], they tapped [[K. J. McDaniels]] as their reinforcement in the [[2023 PBA Governors' Cup|Governors' Cup]] but they were defeated by eventual champions TNT Tropang Giga in the semifinals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-29 |title=TNT rediscover dominance to lead Governors' Cup semi vs. Meralco |url=https://www.espn.ph/basketball/pba/story/_/id/35991707/tnt-tropang-giga-rediscover-dominance-lead-pba-governors-cup-semifinal-vs-meralco-bolts |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== 2023–24 season ===
====Commissioner's Cup====

After years of service as head coach, Norman Black was now reassigned as team consultant and [[Luigi Trillo]] will replace him on the former position.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-08 |title=Norman Black out as Meralco head coach; Luigi Trillo takes over |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/out-norman-black-exits-meralco-after-a-nine-year-stint/|access-date=2023-05-08 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the [[2023–24 PBA Commissioner's Cup|Commissioner's Cup]], parading [[Shonn Miller]] as their import, Bolts finished in the 5th place with 8–3 record tied with Ginebra and Phoenix, and the lowest of the three. Ended up with twice-to-win disadvantage, Meralco faced Phoenix Fuel Masters and forced a second game by winning the first game against Phoenix in a triple overtime and score of 116–107, thanks to a Cliff Hodge 20-point performance and Miller's 20 rebound game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meralco survives three-overtime thriller vs Phoenix, forces sudden-death |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/meralco-bolts-beat-phoenix-fuel-masters-force-sudden-death-a795-20240117 |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}}</ref> But they are still eliminated in the second game 88–84, even three players scored 15 points.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anzures |first=Rom |date=Jan 21, 2024 |title=PBA: Phoenix avoids another meltdown against Meralco, clinches semis spot |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/01/21/24/phoenix-avoids-meltdown-against-meralco-clinches-semis-spot |work=[[ABS-CBN News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dioquino |first=Delfin |date=2024-01-10 |title=Twice-to-beat bonus clinched as Phoenix outlasts Meralco |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/commissioner-cup-game-results-phoenix-fuel-masters-meralco-bolts-january-10-2024/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref>

====Philippine Cup====

Bolts did not duplicated the previous conference's win-loss record, but able to secure third-seed with winning quotient with other four teams (TNT, Rain or Shine, NLEX and Magnolia) with 6–5. In the best-of-three quarterfinals, they swept the NLEX Road Warriors.

===== Ginebra Scare =====
In the semifinals, the team faced their archrivals Barangay Ginebra. Game 1 and 5, Ginebra won by 4 points in both games;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Villanueva |first=Ralph Edwin |title=Pringle powers Gin Kings to Game 1 win vs Bolts |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2024/05/17/2355996/pringle-powers-gin-kings-game-1-win-vs-bolts |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dalupang |first=Denison Rey A. |date=2024-05-26 |title=PBA: Ginebra comes back to beat Meralco and take 3-2 semis lead |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/567845/pba-ginebra-comes-back-to-beat-meralco-and-take-3-2-semis-lead |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}</ref> the Bolts eventually beat Barangay Ginebra in seven games despite being down from a 2-3 deficit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Terrado |first=Reuben |title=Meralco boots out Ginebra in Game 7, makes PBA Finals vs SMB |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/meralco-beats-ginebra-in-game-7-to-reach-pba-finals-vs-smb-a795-20240531 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Villanueva |first=Ralph Edwin |title=Bolts eliminate Kings for 1st-ever PBA Philippine Cup finals stint |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2024/05/31/2359511/bolts-eliminate-kings-1st-ever-pba-philippine-cup-finals-stint |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dioquino |first=Delfin |date=2024-05-31 |title=Not this time: Meralco breaks Ginebra curse in Game 7 for breakthrough PH Cup finals stint |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/pba/philippine-cup-semifinals-game-results-meralco-bolts-barangay-ginebra-may-31-2024/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref>

===== First Championship =====
In the [[2024 PBA Philippine Cup finals|finals]], they faced the [[San Miguel Beermen]], who are dominated the conference and recently swept the Rain or Shine. After a Chris Newsome clutch basket in Game 6 and a June Mar Fajardo missed three-point shot, they won the finals series in 4–2, and grabbed their first championship in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Nenad went from leaving Gilas to winning PBA title at Meralco |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/nenad-vucinic-leaving-gilas-to-winning-pba-title-at-meralco-a795-20240617 |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}}</ref>


==Mascot==
==Mascot==
[[File:PBA - Meralco vs Alaska - Biboy Liwanag - 2016-0425 (26716306891).jpg|100px|thumb|right|Biboy Liwanag during Meralco's semifinal game versus Alaska on April 25, 2016]]
"Biboy Liwanag" is the main mascot of the Bolts. He was first introduced as the team's mascot during their maiden season in 2010.
"Biboy Liwanag" is the main mascot of the Bolts; he was first introduced as the team's mascot during their maiden season in 2010.


==Current roster==
==Current roster==
Line 61: Line 130:


==Head coaches==
==Head coaches==

{| class="toccolours" width=90% style="clear:both; margin:1.5em auto; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! rowspan="2"| Name
! colspan=2 style="background:#f47b34; color:white" | Meralco Bolts head coaches
! rowspan="2"| Start
|- valign="top"
! rowspan="2"| End
|<div class="NavFrame">
! rowspan="2"| Seasons
<div class="NavHead" style="background:#00005A; color:white">2010s</div>
! colspan="4" |Overall record
<div class="NavContent" style="text-align:center;">
! rowspan="2"| Best finish
{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! G
! width="20%" rowspan="2" | Name
! W !! L !! PCT
! width="13%" rowspan="2" | Start
! width="12%" rowspan="2" | End
! width="5%" rowspan="2" | Seasons
! width="25%" colspan="4" | Overall Record
! width="35%" rowspan="2" | Best finish
|-
|-
| '''[[Ryan Gregorio]]''' || [[2010-11 PBA season|2010]] || [[2013-14 PBA season|2014]] || 4 || 160 || 71 || 89 || .444 || style="background:#dfd;" |Semifinals
! W !! L !! PCT !! G
|-
|-
| '''[[Ryan Gregorio]]''' || [[2010-11 PBA season|2010]] || [[2013-14 PBA season|2014]] || 4 || width="5%"| 70 || width="5%"| 89 || width="5%"| .440 || width="5%"| 159 || bgcolor=#DDFFDD|Semifinals
| '''[[Norman Black]]''' || [[2014-15 PBA season|2014]] || [[2022–23 PBA season|2023]]|| 9|| 326|| 170|| 156|| .522|| bgcolor="#D0E7FF" |Finals
|-
|-
|'''[[Luigi Trillo]]'''
| '''[[Norman Black]]''' || [[2014-15 PBA season|2014]] || '''Incumbent''' || 1 || width="5%"| 15 || width="5%"| 11 || width="5%"| .000 || width="5%"| || | '''Incumbent'''
|2023
|}</div></div>
|Incumbent
|
|
|
|
|
|bgcolor="#FFE6BD"|Champions
|}
|}


==Season-by-season records==
==Season-by-season records==
{{main|List of Meralco Bolts seasons}}
{{main|List of Meralco Bolts seasons}}
:''Records from the [[2014–15 PBA season]]:''
:''Records from the [[2024–25 PBA season]]:''
{|class=wikitable style="text-align:center;"
{|class=wikitable style="text-align:center;"
|-
|-
!width=60px rowspan=2|[[List of PBA conferences|Conf.]] !!width=80px rowspan=2|Team name !!colspan=4| Elimination round !!colspan=2| Playoffs
! rowspan="2"|[[List of PBA conferences|Conf.]] !! rowspan="2"|Team name !!colspan=4| Elimination round !!colspan=2| Playoffs
|-
|-
!width=50px|Finish !!width=30px|W !!width=30px|L !!width=40px|PCT !!width=100px|Stage !!width=240px|Results
! Finish !! W !! L !! PCT !! Stage !! Results
|-
|-
|[[2014–15 PBA Philippine Cup|PHI]] ||bgcolor=#f47b34 rowspan=3|<span style="color:white;">Meralco Bolts</span> || 6th/12 || 6 || 5 || .545 || Quarterfinals || 1st phase: Meralco 77*, [[Star Hotshots|Purefoods Star]] 65<br>Alaska* 87, Meralco 69
|[[2024 PBA Governors' Cup|GOV]] ||rowspan=3 style="{{PBA color cell|Meralco Bolts|border=2}}" | '''Meralco Bolts''' || TBD || TBD || TBD || {{Winning percentage||}} || TBD || TBD
|-
|-
|[[2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup|COM]] || 5th/12 || 6 || 5 || .545 || Quarterfinals<br>Semifinals || Meralco 2, [[NLEX Road Warriors|NLEX]] 0<br>[[Rain or Shine Elasto Painters|Rain or Shine]] 3, Meralco 0
|[[2024–25 PBA Commissioner's Cup|COM]] || TBD || TBD || TBD || {{Winning percentage||}} || TBD || TBD
|-
|-
|[[2015 PBA Governors' Cup|GOV]] || 7th/12 || 5 || 6 || .333 || Quarterfinals || [[San Miguel Beermen|San Miguel]]** def. Meralco in 2 games
|[[2025 PBA Philippine Cup|PHI]] || TBD || TBD || TBD || {{Winning percentage||}} || TBD || TBD
|-
|-
!colspan=3|Total elimination round !! 17 || 16 || .515!!colspan=2|3 playoffs appearances
!colspan=3|Total elimination round !! TBD || TBD || {{Winning percentage||}} !!colspan=2| TBD
|-
|-
!colspan=3|Total playoffs !! 4 !! 5 !! .444 !!colspan=2|0 Finals appearances
!colspan=3|Total playoffs !! TBD !! TBD !! {{Winning percentage||}} !!colspan=2| TBD
|-
|-
!colspan=3|Total 2014–15 !! 21 !! 21 !! 1.000 !!colspan=2|0 championships
!colspan=3|Total 2024–25 !! TBD || TBD || {{Winning percentage||}} !!colspan=2| TBD
|-
|-
!colspan=3|Total franchise !! 91 !! 110 !! .452 !!colspan=2|0 championships
!colspan=3|Total franchise !! 269 !! 266 !! {{Winning percentage|269|266}} !!colspan=2|1 championship
|}*one-game playoffs<br>**team had the twice-to-beat advantage
|}*one-game playoffs<br />**team had the twice-to-beat advantage


==Players of note==
==Players of note==

===Other notable players===
===Other notable players===
<!--keep this list arranged alphabetically.-->
<!--keep this list arranged alphabetically.-->
{{colbegin|colwidth=18em}}
{{col-beg}}
* [[Jimmy Alapag]]
{{col-4}}
* [[Don Allado]]
''(A-F)''
* [[Sean Anthony (basketball)|Sean Anthony]]
* [[Ford Arao]]
* [[Marlou Aquino]]
* [[Marlou Aquino]]
* [[Paul Artadi]]
* [[Paul Artadi]]
* [[Simon Atkins (basketball)|Simon Atkins]]
* [[Jason Ballesteros]]
* [[Nonoy Baclao]]
* [[Beau Belga]]
* [[Beau Belga]]
* [[Mark Borboran]]
* [[Mark Borboran]]
Line 125: Line 198:
* [[Paolo Bugia]]
* [[Paolo Bugia]]
* [[Gilbert Bulawan]]
* [[Gilbert Bulawan]]
* [[Mark Canlas]]
* [[Mark Cardona]]
* [[Mark Cardona]]
* [[Dennis Daa]]
* [[Justin Chua]]
* [[Mike Cortez]]
* [[Ed Daquioag]]
* [[Gary David]]
* [[Gary David]]
* [[Pong Escobal]]
* [[Pong Escobal]]
* [[Gabby Espinas]]
* [[Gabby Espinas]]
* [[Bryan Faundo]]
* [[John Ferriols]]
{{col-4}}
''(G-L)''
* [[Riego Gamalinda]]
* [[Riego Gamalinda]]
* [[Reynel Hugnatan]]
* [[Jonathan Grey]]
* [[Rey Guevarra]]
* [[Rabeh Al-Hussaini]]
* [[Danny Ildefonso]]
* [[Mark Isip]]
* [[Mark Isip]]
* [[Reed Juntilla]]
* [[Chico Lanete]]
* [[Chico Lanete]]
{{col-4}}
''(M-R)''
* [[Mark Macapagal]]
* [[Mark Macapagal]]
* [[Vic Manuel]]
* [[Vic Manuel]]
* [[Rogemar Menor]]
* [[Solomon Mercado]]
* [[Solomon Mercado]]
* [[Khasim Mirza]]
* [[Kelly Nabong]]
* [[Nelbert Omolon]]
* [[Jai Reyes]]
* [[Chris Pacana]]
* [[Jay-R Reyes]]
* [[Jay-R Reyes]]
* [[Ren-Ren Ritualo]]
* [[Ren-Ren Ritualo]]
* [[Eric Rodriguez (basketball)|Eric Rodriguez]]
* [[Chris Ross (basketball)|Chris Ross]]
* [[Chris Ross (basketball)|Chris Ross]]
* [[Sunday Salvacion]]
{{col-4}}
* [[James Sena]]
''(S-Z)''
* [[Asi Taulava]]
* [[Asi Taulava]]
* [[Hans Thiele]]
* [[Jonathan Uyloan]]
* [[John Wilson (basketball)|John Wilson]]
* [[Chris Timberlake]]
* [[Shawn Weinstein]]
* [[Mark Yee]]
* [[Mark Yee]]
* [[Joseph Yeo]]
{{col-end}}
{{colend}}


===Imports===
===Imports===
* [[Seiya Ando]] ([[2015 PBA Governors' Cup|2015]])
* [[Seiya Ando]] ([[2015 PBA Governors' Cup|2015]])
* [[Earl Barron]] ([[2012 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2012]])
* [[Earl Barron]] ([[2012 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2012]])
* [[Joshua Davis (basketball, born 1991)|Josh Davis]] ([[2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2015]])
* [[Tony Bishop]] ([[2021 PBA Governors' Cup|2021]])
* [[Brian Butch]] (2014)
* [[Anthony Dandridge]] ([[2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2011]])
* [[Josh Davis (basketball, born 1991)|Josh Davis]] ([[2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2015]])
* Anthony Dandridge ([[2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2011]])
* [[Eric Dawson]] ([[2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2013]])
* [[Eric Dawson]] ([[2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2013]])
* [[Allen Durham]] ([[2016 PBA Governors' Cup|2016]], [[2017 PBA Governors' Cup|2017]], [[2018 PBA Governors' Cup|2018]], [[2019 PBA Governors' Cup|2019]])
* [[Andre Emmett]] ([[2015 PBA Governors' Cup|2015]])
* [[Andre Emmett]] ([[2015 PBA Governors' Cup|2015]])
* [[Jarrid Famous]] ([[2012 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2012]])
* [[Jarrid Famous]] ([[2012 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2012]])
* [[Chamberlain Oguchi]] ([[2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2011]], [[2011 PBA Governors Cup|2011]], [[2012 PBA Governors' Cup|2012]])
* [[Chamberlain Oguchi]] ([[2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2011]], [[2011 PBA Governors Cup|2011]], [[2012 PBA Governors' Cup|2012]])
* [[Arinze Onuaku]] ([[2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2016]], [[2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2018]])
* [[Tim Pickett]] ([[2011 PBA Governors' Cup|2011]])
* [[Tim Pickett]] ([[2011 PBA Governors' Cup|2011]])
* [[Mario West]] ([[2012 PBA Governors' Cup|2012]], [[2013 PBA Governors' Cup|2013]], [[2014 PBA Governors' Cup|2014]])
* [[Mario West]] ([[2012 PBA Governors' Cup|2012]], [[2013 PBA Governors' Cup|2013]], [[2014 PBA Governors' Cup|2014]])
* [[Darnell Jackson]] ([[2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2014]])
* [[Darnell Jackson]] ([[2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2014]])
* [[Terrence Williams]] ([[2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2014)
* [[Terrence Williams]] ([[2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2014]])
* [[Alex Stepheson]] ([[2017 PBA Commissioner's Cup|2017]])


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Meralco Bolts draft history]]
*[[Meralco Bolts draft history]]
*[[Meralco Reddy Kilowatts]]
*[[Meralco Reddy Kilowatts]]
*[[F.C. Meralco Manila]]
*[[Loyola Meralco Sparks F.C.]]
*[[Meralco Power Spikers]]
*[[Meralco Power Spikers]]


Line 185: Line 259:


==External links==
==External links==
{{commonscat}}
*[http://onemeralcosports.com One Meralco Sports (official website)]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160215030037/http://onemeralcosports.com/ One Meralco Sports (official website)]
{{Meralco Bolts current roster}}

{{Meralco Bolts}}
{{Meralco Bolts}}
{{Meralco Bolts current roster}}
{{navboxes|title=Championship Navigation Boxes|titlestyle={{basketball primary style|Meralco Bolts}}|list=
{{Meralco Bolts 2024 PBA Philippine Cup Champions}}
}}
{{PBA}}
{{PBA}}


[[Category:Philippine Basketball Association teams]]
[[Category:Meralco Bolts| ]]
[[Category:Basketball teams established in 2010]]
[[Category:2010 establishments in the Philippines]]

Revision as of 00:15, 15 July 2024

Meralco Bolts
2024–25 Meralco Bolts season
Meralco Bolts logo
Founded2010
HistoryMeralco Bolts (2010–present)
Team colorsNavy blue, orange, white
     
CompanyManila Electric Company
Board governorWilliam Pamintuan
Maria Luisa Alvendia (alternate)
Ryan Gregorio (alternate)
Team managerPaolo Trillo
Head coachLuigi Trillo
OwnershipManuel V. Pangilinan
Affiliation(s)Meralco Bolts 3x3
Championships1 championship

2024 Philippine

5 Finals appearances
Light uniform jersey
Team colours
Light uniform
Dark uniform jersey
Team colours
Dark uniform
Alternate uniform jersey
Team colours
Alternate uniform
Active affiliates of Meralco Bolts
Basketball Football Volleyball

The Meralco Bolts[1][2] is a professional basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association. The team began in 2010 after the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) acquired the PBA franchise of the Sta. Lucia Realtors.[3] The team is one of three PBA teams presently under the control of businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan – the other teams being the TNT Tropang Giga and the NLEX Road Warriors.

History

MICAA days

The MERALCO Reddy Kilowatts was a powerhouse basketball team that played in the Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association (MICAA) from 1968 to 1972. Operated by the MERALCO Athletic Club of the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), they briefly joined the MICAA prior to World War II and was re-admitted in 1968. The team was crowned as the 1971 MICAA Open champions, beating the Crispa Redmanizers.[4]

The demise of the YCO-Ysmael Steel rivalry following the breakup of the Ysmael Steel team in 1968, paved the way for the MERALCO-Crispa rivalry starting in 1970. The rivalry came into full-bloom during the 1971 MICAA All-Filipino championship, when Reynoso and Jaworski punched referees Eriberto “Ting” Cruz and Jose “Joe” Obias for what was the duo perceived questionable calls against MERALCO. The incident resulted to lifetime suspensions meter against the two that were lifted eventually so that the two can join the national team in the 1973 Asian Basketball Championship.

The team disbanded in 1972 in the wake of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines, wherein the Marcos government seized MERALCO from Eugenio López, Sr.

PBA entry and the Sta. Lucia Realtors franchise acquisition

In June 2010, there were reports that Meralco expressed interest in joining the PBA and intended to buy either Sta. Lucia's or Barako Bull's franchise after both teams unloaded most of their major players.[5] After Barako Bull informed the board that they intended to stay with the league for the 2010–11 season, Sta. Lucia then filed a "leave of absence."[6] On August 10, the PBA board finally approved the sale of the Sta. Lucia franchise to Meralco. The team would be named the Meralco Bolts.

2010–2011 PBA season

The Bolts debuted during the 2010–11 season with a lineup that included Mark Cardona, Asi Taulava, Nelbert Omolon, Marlou Aquino, Beau Belga, Dennis Daa, Chris Ross, Ogie Menor, Pong Escobal and Chris Pacana. Shawn Weinstein, Ford Arao, Khasim Mirza and Bam-bam Gamalinda were the first players to be drafted by the franchise. They started the Philippine Cup with a win against the crowd favorites Barangay Ginebra Kings. In the middle of the conference, they traded some of their players in exchange for Hans Thiele, Mark Isip and Reed Juntilla respectively. They compiled a 7–7 record, which was enough to take them to the quarterfinals. However, they lost to the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados 2–0. Before the Commissioner's Cup, they made a huge trade by acquiring Solomon Mercado along with Paolo Bugia and Erick Rodriguez. They also signed 3-point shooter Renren Ritualo. Despite a revamped roster and imports Anthony Dandridge and Chamberlain Oguchi, they did not past the eliminations after having a 3–6 record. The same happened during the Governors Cup when they had a 3–5 record.

2011–2012 PBA season

The Bolts rebuilt its line-up during the offseason, releasing Renren Ritualo, Hans Thiele, Reed Juntilla and Paolo Bugia, as well as acquiring through trades Mark Yee, Mark Macapagal, Chico Lanete, Chris Timberlake and signing free agents Mark Borboran and Bryan Faundo. During the 2011 PBA Draft, Meralco selected Gilas reserve Jason Ballesteros, as well as Gilbert Bulawan to augment their frontline. In the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup, they finished at 6th place at 8–6 win–loss record but swept by the Petron Blaze Boosters. In the 2012 PBA Commissioner's Cup, they finished at another sixth place at 4–5 on that 102–98 upset win over Powerade Tigers but in another miss to the semifinals for the Bolts. In the 2012 PBA Governors Cup, they finished three straight sixth places in their franchise. In the knockout game for the last semis berth, they defeated the Powerade Tigers, 94–86 to advance to their first semifinals appearance in their franchise history.

2012–2013 PBA season

Ramon Segismundo announced the team's uniform for the 2012–13 season will have similar design features with the 1971 uniforms worn by the Meralco Reddy Kilowatts.[7]

2013–14 season

The Bolts made some offseason moves prior to the start of the season. They acquired "El Granada" Gary David from GlobalPort in exchange for Chris Ross, Chris Timberlake and Meralco's 2016 and 2017 second round picks.[8] They have also traded the rights of Asi Taulava to Air21 in exchange for Mike Cortez,[9] shipped Mark Cardona to Air21 via a three-team trade which in the process, acquired Rabeh Al-Hussaini.[10] They also acquired Kerby Raymundo from Ginebra for Jay-R Reyes. Raymundo has yet to play for the Bolts since he was traded because of a nagging knee injury, and is contemplating retirement.

Midway thru the eliminations, they signed up Danny Ildefonso for the rest of the conference, who was unceremoniously let go by Petron. After realizing that Danny I still has what it takes to play, and can still help the team in terms of his leadership and positive influence, the Bolts signed him for the rest of the season.[11]

During the PBA Philippine Cup conference, they were off to a good start, and were able to beat top-seed teams like Ginebra. However, they suffered losing streak and ended up in a four-way tie with Alaska, GlobalPort and Barako Bull. Since Barako Bull and GlobalPort have higher quotients, Meralco was forced to play a sudden death game with Alaska Aces to determine the eighth and final playoff spot. The Aces defeated them and thus they were eliminated from playoff contention.

2014–15 season

In 2014–15 PBA Philippine Cup conference, they performed well, even eliminating the defending champion Purefoods Star Hotshots, but were later eliminated by Alaska Aces

In 2015 Commissioner's Cup, they are in an undefeated streak due to their good performance. The team also had its import Josh Davis who helped to maintain their great streak.

In the Governor's Cup, the team tapped Seiya Ando as their import, alongside Andre Emmett. Due to this, Ando became the first Japanese import in the league.

2015–16 season

The 2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup was not as good as they had before. They suffered the worst with a 1–10 record. However, the team drafted Chris Newsome and Baser Amer.

The team improved very well in the Commissioner's Cup, where they were led by ex-Maccabi Tel Aviv BC player Arinze Onuaku, who would win the Best Import of the Conference award. The team also went through some setbacks, with the suspension of Gary David in a game during an elimination round, due to insubordination. David was later removed from the line-up and becoming an unrestricted agent list.[12]

The team also went to the Finals for the first time in their franchise history on the Governors' Cup. The Bolts were able to upset the top-seed TNT KaTropa by winning their best-of-five semifinal series in four games. They faced the crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Finals. Meralco entered the Finals as the underdogs, but managed to put up a fight and even steal Game 1. Although Ginebra won in six games, it was considered to be one of the most entertaining Finals series in recent memory. Meralco's import, Allen Durham also won the Best Import award and rookie guard/forward Chris Newsome won Rookie of the Year.

2016–17 season

Before the season, Jimmy Alapag retired again, this time for good.[13] The Bolts returned to the Governors' Cup Finals after a worst performance in Philippine Cup and a quarterfinals defeat in the second conference, but this time with a TNT veteran Ranidel de Ocampo. Even though they recovered on a 0–2 deficit, they still lost by seven games.[14]

2017–18 season

For the first time since their first finals appearance, Meralco did not passed the semifinals, as they are defeated by the Alaska Aces in a best of five saga in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup.[15] It will also be Jared Dillinger's final season with the team.

2019 season

With the addition of Raymond Almazan and Allein Maliksi, the Bolts reached again the finals, but facing again Ginebra. They lost in the series in five games.[16]

2020 season

After the COVID-19 struck in the Philippines, the league announced to play at a bubble modeled like of the NBA. Only the Philippine Cup was played and they placed fifth in the eliminations. But when they reached semifinals, they lost to their archnemesis Barangay Ginebra.

2021 season

The league now will play with two conferences, due to some lowering of regulations by the IATF. Now, Meralco without Baser Amer, after being traded to Blackwater for Mac Belo, was now led by Chris Newsome and Raymond Almazan. The Bolts reached the semifinals of the first conference facing the Magnolia Hotshots, but lost in six games.[17] They reached the finals again in Governors' Cup, but again defeated by Ginebra in six games due to injuries occurred on Almazan.

2022–23 season

In the middle of Philippine Cup, Norman Black filed leave for personal reasons and replaced by Luigi Trillo for last five games of the elimination round.[18] Trillo led the team to the first playoff victory against Barangay Ginebra in Game 3.[19] Black returned after Game 1 loss against San Miguel Beermen and led the team to tie the series, but wasn't enough to win the series and lost in seven games.

After a bad performance in Commissioner's Cup, they tapped K. J. McDaniels as their reinforcement in the Governors' Cup but they were defeated by eventual champions TNT Tropang Giga in the semifinals.[20]

2023–24 season

Commissioner's Cup

After years of service as head coach, Norman Black was now reassigned as team consultant and Luigi Trillo will replace him on the former position.[21]

In the Commissioner's Cup, parading Shonn Miller as their import, Bolts finished in the 5th place with 8–3 record tied with Ginebra and Phoenix, and the lowest of the three. Ended up with twice-to-win disadvantage, Meralco faced Phoenix Fuel Masters and forced a second game by winning the first game against Phoenix in a triple overtime and score of 116–107, thanks to a Cliff Hodge 20-point performance and Miller's 20 rebound game.[22] But they are still eliminated in the second game 88–84, even three players scored 15 points.[23][24]

Philippine Cup

Bolts did not duplicated the previous conference's win-loss record, but able to secure third-seed with winning quotient with other four teams (TNT, Rain or Shine, NLEX and Magnolia) with 6–5. In the best-of-three quarterfinals, they swept the NLEX Road Warriors.

Ginebra Scare

In the semifinals, the team faced their archrivals Barangay Ginebra. Game 1 and 5, Ginebra won by 4 points in both games;[25][26] the Bolts eventually beat Barangay Ginebra in seven games despite being down from a 2-3 deficit.[27][28][29]

First Championship

In the finals, they faced the San Miguel Beermen, who are dominated the conference and recently swept the Rain or Shine. After a Chris Newsome clutch basket in Game 6 and a June Mar Fajardo missed three-point shot, they won the finals series in 4–2, and grabbed their first championship in franchise history.[30]

Mascot

Biboy Liwanag during Meralco's semifinal game versus Alaska on April 25, 2016

"Biboy Liwanag" is the main mascot of the Bolts; he was first introduced as the team's mascot during their maiden season in 2010.

Current roster

Players Coaches
Pos. # POB Name Height Weight DOB (YYYY–MM–DD) From
G 1 Philippines Black, Aaron 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1996–12–03 Ateneo
G 4 Philippines Dario, Diego (IN) 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) 145 lb (66 kg) 1997–01–06 UP Diliman
F/C 5 United States Durham, Allen (I) 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 236 lb (107 kg) 1988–07–09 Grace Christian
G 6 United States Banchero, Chris 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1989–01–24 Seattle Pacific
F 7 United States Hodge, Cliff 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 1988–02–03 Hawaii Pacific
G 10 Philippines Mendoza, Jolo 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 1998–01–31 Ateneo
G/F 11 United States Newsome, Chris (C) 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1990–07–25 Ateneo
G 17 Philippines Caram, Anjo 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) 159 lb (72 kg) 1991–01–14 San Beda
F 19 Philippines Quinto, Bong 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 1994–12–15 Letran
F/C 20 Philippines Almazan, Raymond Injured 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 194 lb (88 kg) 1989–08–02 Letran
F 22 Philippines Maliksi, Allein Injured 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1987–09–18 UST
F 23 Philippines Pasaol, Alvin 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1995–05–06 UE
F 24 Philippines Jose, Raymar 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1992–08–06 Far Eastern
F 27 Philippines Rios, Jansen 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1991–10–28 Adamson
F/C 29 Canada Torres, Norbert 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 250 lb (113 kg) 1990–01–12 De La Salle
F/C 32 United States Pascual, Kyle 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1990–04–13 San Beda
C 33 Australia Bates, Brandon 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 231 lb (105 kg) De La Salle
G 71 Philippines Cansino, CJ (R) 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 1999–10–27 UP Diliman
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Team manager



Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (I) Import
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (IN) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • (R) Rookie
  • (3x3) Assigned to 3x3 team
  • Injured Injured

Roster



Head coaches

Name Start End Seasons Overall record Best finish
G W L PCT
Ryan Gregorio 2010 2014 4 160 71 89 .444 Semifinals
Norman Black 2014 2023 9 326 170 156 .522 Finals
Luigi Trillo 2023 Incumbent Champions

Season-by-season records

Records from the 2024–25 PBA season:
Conf. Team name Elimination round Playoffs
Finish W L PCT Stage Results
GOV Meralco Bolts TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
COM TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
PHI TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
Total elimination round TBD TBD TBD
Total playoffs TBD TBD TBD
Total 2024–25 TBD TBD TBD
Total franchise 269 266 .503 1 championship

*one-game playoffs
**team had the twice-to-beat advantage

Players of note

Other notable players

Imports

See also

References

  1. ^ Meralco-Ginebra game to open PBA’s 36th season Archived August 27, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, GMANews.TV, August 24, 2010.
  2. ^ Consumers won't pay for Bolts, Sporting Chance by Joaquin Henson, Philippine Star, August 26, 2010.
  3. ^ "Meralco makes power move, joins pro league". August 10, 2010. Archived from the original on August 16, 2010. Retrieved August 16, 2010.
  4. ^ "The legacy of Reddy Kilowatts – The Manila Times Online". www.manilatimes.net. October 11, 2017. Archived from the original on October 21, 2017. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  5. ^ Meralco eyes cage return via PBA next season Archived August 23, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, Rey Joble, GMANews.TV, June 24, 2010
  6. ^ Barako to compete anew; SLR bids goodbye Archived September 20, 2010, at the Wayback Machine Rey Joble, GMANews.TV, July 13, 2010
  7. ^ Joble, Rey (September 22, 2012). "Meralco to wear throwback MICAA jerseys in upcoming PBA campaign". InterAKTV. Archived from the original on September 24, 2012. Retrieved September 22, 2012. Rey Joble, InterAKTV, September 22, 2012
  8. ^ INQUIRER.net (October 11, 2013). "EL GRANADA FINALLY FINDS A NEW HOME". pba.inquirer.net. Archived from the original on October 16, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  9. ^ Badua, Snow (September 6, 2013). "Air21 Express acquire Taulava from Meralco in exchange for Cortez – SPIN.PH". Archived from the original on February 26, 2014. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  10. ^ Badua, Snow (October 14, 2013). "Al-Hussaini moves from TnT to Meralco as Air21 lands Cardona in three-team trade deal – SPIN.PH". Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  11. ^ Dy, Richard (February 18, 2014). "'Positive influence' Danny Ildefonso signed by Meralco for the rest of season – SPIN.PH". Archived from the original on February 26, 2014. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  12. ^ Leongson, Randolph B. (March 17, 2016). "After suspension, Meralco drops Gary David". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 24, 2016. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
  13. ^ "Former PBA MVP Jimmy Alapag announces retirement - this time 'for good'". Spin.ph. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  14. ^ "Ginebra prevails in Game 7 to win second straight Govs' Cup title". RAPPLER. October 27, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  15. ^ "Alaska edges Meralco in Game 4, advances to finals". ESPN.com. November 17, 2018. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  16. ^ Dalupang, Denison Rey A. (January 17, 2020). "Ginebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors' Cup title". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  17. ^ Bacnis, Justine (October 15, 2021). "Magnolia eliminates Meralco, advances to PBA Finals". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  18. ^ "Luigi Trillo guides Meralco out of slump as stand-in for Norman Black". RAPPLER. July 6, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  19. ^ "Meralco averts disaster, boots out Ginebra in breakthrough playoff win to reach semis". RAPPLER. July 31, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  20. ^ "TNT rediscover dominance to lead Governors' Cup semi vs. Meralco". ESPN.com. March 29, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  21. ^ "Norman Black out as Meralco head coach; Luigi Trillo takes over". RAPPLER. May 8, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  22. ^ "Meralco survives three-overtime thriller vs Phoenix, forces sudden-death". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  23. ^ Anzures, Rom (January 21, 2024). "PBA: Phoenix avoids another meltdown against Meralco, clinches semis spot". ABS-CBN News.
  24. ^ Dioquino, Delfin (January 10, 2024). "Twice-to-beat bonus clinched as Phoenix outlasts Meralco". RAPPLER. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  25. ^ Villanueva, Ralph Edwin. "Pringle powers Gin Kings to Game 1 win vs Bolts". Philstar.com. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  26. ^ Dalupang, Denison Rey A. (May 26, 2024). "PBA: Ginebra comes back to beat Meralco and take 3-2 semis lead". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  27. ^ Terrado, Reuben. "Meralco boots out Ginebra in Game 7, makes PBA Finals vs SMB". Spin.ph. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  28. ^ Villanueva, Ralph Edwin. "Bolts eliminate Kings for 1st-ever PBA Philippine Cup finals stint". Philstar.com. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  29. ^ Dioquino, Delfin (May 31, 2024). "Not this time: Meralco breaks Ginebra curse in Game 7 for breakthrough PH Cup finals stint". RAPPLER. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  30. ^ "How Nenad went from leaving Gilas to winning PBA title at Meralco". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 17, 2024.