Oguchi to reinforce Meralco after Pattillo measured too tall

PBA/Nuki Sabio

The Meralco Bolts are turning to an old reliable after experiencing a string of bad luck with import prospects for the Governors’ Cup.

The Bolts have signed an agreement with Champ Oguchi, who suited up for the team last season for parts of the Commissioner’s Cup and the Governors’ Cup where he averaged 28.3 points and 10.3 rebounds over 11 games.

Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio and Oguchi’s agent Sheryl Reyes both confirmed the news to InterAKTV.

“He will be arriving on Monday,” said Gregorio in a telephone interview. According to the coach, Oguchi will be a perfect complement for slashers Sol Mercado and Mac Cardona as well as new recruit Jay-R Reyes.

“We need someone who can spread the floor and Oguchi is the type of import we need,” said Gregorio of the sharpshooting former Illinois State product, who made an average of 4.2 three-pointers per game on 40.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc in his first PBA stint.

The Bolts were reportedly set to suit up Juan Pattillo, who is an inside operator. But the import prospect was reportedly measured to be taller than 6-foot-5, the height limit for reinforcements in the Governors’ Cup.

Earlier, Meralco flew in former Los Angeles Lakers player Devin Green, who was also measured too tall for the tournament limit.

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