MANILA, Philippines – The PBA Commissioner’s Cup begins on Day 2 of the competition when THE Meralco Bolts take on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their first game under new head coach Luigi Trillo and active coaching consultant Nenad Vucicic.

At 8:00 p.m., the Bolts and the Elasto Painters play. during a match introducing new imports DaJuan Summers for Rain or Shine and Suleiman Braimoh for Meralco at the PhilSports Arena.

Trillo has had a successful coaching career. He most recently won the Commissioner’s Cup with the Alaska Milk Aces in 2013. He is now taking on a new challenge, working with Coach Norman Black and the Bolts to pursue a breakout run. Although Black has led the Bolts to four PBA Finals, he has not yet brought home a championship. The focus is also on Braimoh and Summers, two important Bolts players. At a remarkable 6 ‘6 and 3/4, Braimoh plays for Nigeria’s national team, giving the group a more global feel. Summers, a 6’7 7/8 native of Baltimore, Maryland, provides a plethora of expertise from his time as an NBA player with the Detroit Pistons.

Summers, who is 35 years old, is the most experienced import and is eager to establish himself with the Rain or Shine team. In the 2018 PBA season, this diversified squad hopes to build a winning history for the Bolts.

When Meralco’s previous season came to an end, Trillo was named their new head coach.

With Norman Black in attendance at his mother’s wake in the United States, the young coach enjoyed a brief but fruitful tenure as temporary coach in Season 47 of the Philippines Cup. He led the Bolts to the semifinals following their spirited quarterfinal series victory over the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

Trillo’s coaching journey has been marked by success, notably claiming the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup championship with the Alaska Milk Aces. Now, he embarks on a new challenge, partnering with the Bolts and Coach Norman Black in their quest for a breakthrough run. Black has steered the Bolts to four PBA Finals but has yet to secure a victory. The spotlight also shines on Bolts’ key players, including Braimoh and Summers. Braimoh, standing at an impressive 6 ‘6 and 3/4, represents Nigeria’s national team, adding international flavor to the team.

Summers, hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, brings a height of 6’7 7/8 and a wealth of experience, having played for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. At 35, Summers is the seasoned veteran among the imports, ready to make his mark with the Rain or Shine squad. Together, this diverse lineup aims to create a winning legacy for the Bolts in the upcoming PBA season.