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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Meralco, Durham rekindle partnership

Meralco, Durham rekindle partnership

Published Aug 11, 2024 11:23 am

At A Glance

  • The challenge, however, is winning it together this time around.

Reliable import Allen Durham and Meralco went empty-handed despite starring in three PBA Finals in the past.

Nearly four years later, they found themselves rekindling the very same partnership, except that this time both of them finally know what it takes to win a championship – Durham in the B.League and the Bolts in the Philippine Cup.

The challenge, however, is winning it together this time around.

PBA Images5 (71).jpg

“Feels good. It didn't seem to be that long but everybody’s telling me it’s a little bit three and a half years but being back here feels like back at home,” said the hulking 36-year-old Durham who is returning for his third tour of duty with Meralco.

The three-time PBA Best Import awardee is certainly going after completing the unfinished business in his return and he felt he’s more equipped this time after his stint with Ryukyu Golden Kings who won the 2023 B.League title.

During that title run, Durham even bagged the Finals Most Valuable Player plum.

“I think it helped me. When I was over there, I won a championship. Just the high level basketball over there kinda helped me develop myself a little bit more so I'm excited to bring them back to the PBA and play with my guys with it,” he added.

Meralco, for its part, also has already proven that it has enough firepower to win it all in the PBA. Chris Newsome and the rest of the Bolts defeated the San Miguel Beermen in six games in the All-Filipino conference Finals.

Through all that, Durham said he’s been rooting for Meralco to win. He, in fact, was very much impressed with how the Bolts have played.

“I'm impressed. They are really hard workers but you can see their development over the years like Chris Newsome. He was my rookie, just seeing him from the start to now, the leader that he is, I'm very very proud of him and impressed,” Durham said of the PH Cup Finals MVP.

“I'm glad they finally got over the hump and now everybody knows what it takes,” he added.

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