Bolts eye second import

The Meralco Bolts are in the process of adding a second import that will beef up the team for their sudden entry in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup set later this month in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Team manager Paolo Trillo said the Bolts are eyeing a center who can provide the needed presence at the middle in order to match up with the bigger teams in the annual club competition.

"We're looking for a center, trying to sign a 7-footer if available," Trillo said. "If not, at least 6-foot-10 and above to match up with the bigs of the other teams."

Participating teams are allowed to field two imports for the Champions Cup which will have a PBA representative for the first time in history.

Two-time Governors' Cup Best Import Allen Durham will serve as one of the Bolts' reinforcements.

The PBA agreed to let Meralco join the competition which will be allowed to have its game on Sept. 28 against Rain or Shine rescheduled to give way to its participation.

A FIBA press release initially listed San Miguel Beer as the country's representative, prompting team officials to quickly deny such move given its busy schedule.

The tournament is slated Sept. 28 to Oct. 2. The Bolts will return to their PBA duties three days after the Champions Cup.

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas, reinforced by 7-foot center Isaiah Austin, placed fifth in last year's event in China.