HONG KONG — Meralco will be taking the spot of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the East Asia Super League Season 2 that starts on 11 October.

In the schedule posted on the league website, the Bolts will replace the Kings, who are in Group B together with Japan B. League champion Ryukyu Golden Kings, Korean Basketball League runner-up Seoul SK Knights and P. League+ runner-up New Taipei Kings.

Group A features Japan B. League runner-up Chiba Jets, KBL champion Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters, TNT Tropang Giga and P. League+ champion Taipei Fubon Braves.

The league didn't give any reason why Ginebra pulled out, making it the second team to withdraw behind the disbanded Bay Area Dragons.

Meralco coach Luigi Trillo stressed that they will parade their new import Feron Hunt but will still look for a bigger reinforcement to be able to match up against other teams.