Maliksi boosts Bolts

ALLEIN Maliksi gives Meralco another offensive threat.

The proposed trade between Meralco and Blackwater finally got the go signal from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after the Bolts added another pick to sweeten the deal.

Meralco acquired Allein Maliksi and Raymar Jose while the Elite absorbed a couple of role players in Nino Canaleta and Mike Tolomia and 2020 and 2022 second-round picks.

Bolts head coach Norman Black said his two new acquisitions will boost their chances in the ongoing Governors’ Cup.

“The reason why we made that trade is to acquire Maliksi. We wanted to have someone who can space the floor for AD (Allen Durham). He’s a great shooter. He can score,” Black said.

Maliksi saw his production dropped with the entry of top rookie Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. The former University of Santo Tomas forward is averaging 9.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in the season-ending conference.

The six-foot-four Jose will be a big help for Meralco’s frontline rotation as Cliff Hodge is still recuperating from an ankle injury.

“Jose will be a good addition for the team as well. He’ll be a good big to pair up with (Raymond) Almazan since we’re not having Durham in the All-Filipino Cup,” Black added.

The Bolts are currently holding a 4-2 win-loss card while Blackwater is at the lower half of the team standings with 2-5 mark.

The deal was previously turned down by the PBA, citing lack of balance, and with Meralco adding another second-round selection, the trade finally pushed through.

In Canaleta, the Elite got a season veteran forward who can help both on offense and defense. This is the second stint of the 37-year old Canaleta with the franchise.

Tolomia went deep to the backcourt rotation of Meralco as Black is giving Baser Amer and Chris Newsome more minutes manning the backcourt while Bong Quinto and Anjo Caram also providing quality time at the guard spot.

It will be interesting how Tolomia will get the playing time as the Elite just acquired Brian Heruela from TNT KaTropa for shooter Mike Degrigorio.

Head coach Aries Dimaunahan has Mike Cortez, Roi Sumang, Gelo Alolino, Paul Desiderio and Diego Dario in his arsenal for the guard position.