Mark Cardona (left) is tightly guarded by Benedict Fernandez during Meralco’s first practice on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Pasig City. Below left, coach Ryan Gregorio barks instructions as Marlou Aquino and Cardona look on. (Photo by TONY PIONILLA)

Mark Cardona, known for his offense, will have to learn to play tough defense under new coach Ryan Gregorio.

“Knowing coach Ryan, this team we’ll be a defensive team. Although I’m still adjusting, I’m excited to start this new chapter in my career,” Cardona said.

The 28-year-old Cardona left powerhouse Talk ’N Text to assume a new role as main man of the Meralco Bolts who bought the Sta. Lucia franchise.

“There’s always pressure, ’di naman mawawala ’yun. But this is our job, to win games. So for me, I just have to work hard every practice, every game,” said the six-foot-one off guard during a break in practice on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Gregorio, who has two PBA titles under his belt, stressed the value of hard work on the first day of the Bolts’ practice.

“We might not have the same talent level as the other teams,” Gregorio said. “But from what I saw in the first few days of practice, we have a group of people who work hard. That for me is a big, big plus, knowing that hard work will always prevail over talent.”

Defense remains Gregorio’s calling card.

“We emphasize defense in our first couple of practice. They may be tired and exhausted. But this is part of the process,” he added.

Known for his trademark tear-drop shot, Cardona averaged 16 points a game last year, an impressive number considering TNT’s depth in talent.

A four-time All-Star, Cardona won the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) in the 2007 Fiesta Cup, and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Finals when he powered the Tropang Texters to the Philippine Cup title last year.

Cardona reunited with former TNT teammates Pong Escobal and Yousif Aljamal, while joining former SLR players like veteran center Marlou Aquino, Nelbert Omolon, Ogie Menor, Gabby Espinas, Chris Pacana and Dennis Daa.

The team’s other newcomers are Beau Belga (from Air21) and Chris Ross (from Coca-Cola), as well as rookies, Fil-Am Shawn Weinstein, Bam-Bam Gamalinda, Khazim Mirza and Claiford Arao. Gregorio said he was impressed with the rookies, as well as with the 6-foot-9 Marlou Aquino, who at 37 is the team’s most senior member.

“I’m very happy with the rookies we got. The tag as rookies is only because this is their fi rst year, but they should not play like rookies,” Gregorio said.

“As for Marlou, he’s just pushing himself. I want to squeeze out whatever is left of him,” Gregorio said of his 15-year veteran.