MANILA — Veteran guard Chris Banchero has finally achieved the ultimate success in the PBA, leading the Meralco Bolts to their first-ever championship in the league. Under the guidance of coaches Nenad Vucinic and Luigi Trillo, the Bolts triumphed over San Miguel Beer in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
Overcoming Past Heartbreaks
Before this monumental victory, Banchero experienced a heartbreaking loss against the Beermen in the 2015-16 All-Filipino Conference Finals. During that series, Banchero’s former team, Alaska Aces, had a commanding 3-0 lead, only to see San Miguel complete an astonishing comeback, now known as the “Beeracle.”
“Year after year, especially with Alaska, it was just not meant to be. But those are all lessons, and the way God drew it up tonight is something special,” Banchero reflected last Sunday.
A Redemption Story
With the Bolts, Banchero put the past behind him, focusing on delivering a championship. “It doesn’t make any sweeter that it’s San Miguel. Just to win it is enough for me,” he emphasized.
He praised the preparation and strategy that led to their victory: “To go through them, obviously, they had a great season, so we knew what we were getting into, and the coaches gave us a really good game plan. To make it all the way to the top of the mountain and get knocked down continuously, and then climb it again and finally get it, there’s not many words to describe it.”
Delivering on Promises
When Banchero signed with Meralco in early 2022, he was promised a championship. “When I signed with Meralco, Boss [Paolo Trillo], coach Norman [Black], and boss Al [Panlilio], they said we can get a championship. ‘You’re the piece we need,’ and we got it done,” Banchero recounted.
Celebrating a Historic Triumph
After a grueling seven weeks of mental and physical challenges, Banchero and his teammates are finally able to celebrate their historic victory. “It’s been a special seven weeks or whatever it’s been mentally and physically. To go through all that, I don’t think anybody’s really slept, but it was all worth it,” he said.
“Tonight was our night, and there are not many words to describe your first one especially when you’ve been knocked down so many times. To get it like this is very special,” he concluded.
Chris Banchero’s Journey to the Top
| Year | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | PBA Philippine Cup Finals (Alaska vs. San Miguel) | Heartbreaking Loss |
| 2022 | Signed with Meralco Bolts | Promise of a Championship |
| 2024 | PBA Philippine Cup Finals (Meralco vs. San Miguel) | Historic Victory |
Chris Banchero’s journey from heartbreak to triumph is a testament to his perseverance and determination. His role in the Meralco Bolts’ historic championship will be remembered as a defining moment in his career.(Voslot)