Consecutive games, extra workout put Meralco Bolts import closer to peak form

THREE games in eight days has certainly helped Meralco import Alex Stepheson in getting to peak form.

The burly reinforcement has been a key figure in Meralco’s early success in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and the way things are going, the 6-foot-9, NBA veteran is ready to carry the Bolts past the elimination round just like what the team did in the past two import-laden conferences.

A bit overweight when he came on board, Mr. Stepheson has worked his way to be in better condition each game and that resulted in the Bolts three wins in as many games to climb into the early lead.

Like any other player, Mr. Stepheson is one of those chasing an NBA dream.

He was on the radar of the Bolts as early as last season, but head coach Norman Black decided to get Arinze Onuaku, who turned out to be an efficient front liner and just like Mr. Stepheson, provided the inside presence the team has been lacking in the Philippine Cup.

On his third game in the tournament, Mr. Stepheson finished with 20 points and 27 rebounds as the Bolts defeated the TNT KaTropa.

Mr. Black believes Mr. Stepheson is the missing piece the Bolts have been lacking to become a title contender.

In the last two Philippine Cup tournaments, the Bolts failed to get past the elimination round. The team, though, has had much success when playing in importladen conferences.

The Bolts went a game away from reaching the championship round of the Commissioner’s Cup last season before losing to Alaska in Game 5 of their bestoffive semifinals series. In the Governors’ Cup, Meralco made its first finals appearance in franchise history and earned the right to face Barangay Ginebra, which defeated the Bolts via Justin Brownlee’s buzzer-beating triple.

Mr. Stepheson, a massive import like Mr. Onuaku, looks to be a right fit for the Bolts’ run to the playoffs.

Not only is the import a hard worker, Mr. Stepheson seems to be a likeable guy — very coachable and makes everybody on the team look good.

No wonder, the Bolts are back on the top — and the good news is, the bets has yet to come for Mr. Stepheson, who could get better once he gets himself in tip-top condition.