Meralco picks up Baclao to setup reunion with Norman Black

The Meralco Bolts just acquired the services of veteran big man Noy Baclao from the Alaska Aces (Tristan Tamayo/Inquirer Photo)

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Noy Baclao is expecting a nostalgic PBA comeback.

Currently under recovery after suffering a ruptured right patellar tendon, Baclao was not able to secure another contract with the Alaska Aces, confirmed by team manager and board of governor Richard Bachmann.

“His contract expired and opted not to renew,” said Bachmann in an interview with spin.ph regarding Baclao’s departure.

With Alaska making Baclao a free agent, Meralco head coach Norman Black and his staff decided to acquire his services and agreed to put him in their reserve list.

For those who don’t know, Black is Baclao’s long-time coach during his college years with the Ateneo Blue Eagles and is one of the reasons for his development as an elite defensive player.

Winning multiple championships in college with Baclao, coach Black is delighted to have his former player back with him after how many years.

As of now, no statement has been released by the Meralco Bolts management regarding Baclao’s arrival with the team.