THE last time Meralco competed in a FIBA-sanctioned tournament, Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge were ineligible to play as locals in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup.

That won’t be the case come the Basketball Champions League Asia.

Meralco coach Luigi Trillo revealed that Newsome and Hodge have been cleared to play as locals for the Fiba-organized tournament of champions among the best clubs in the continent.

During the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in 2018, Newsome and Hodge were unable to suit up as locals since the tournament enforced FIBA eligibility rules, which mandates passports secured before turning 16 for local players.

Trillo cited a certain ’10-year residency rule’ that enabled Newsome and Hodge to play for the tournament that is now rebranded to BCL Asia.

“They are allowed this time because it’s 10 years already,” said Trillo on Sunday after Meralco’s loss to TNT. “Last time we played, I think Hodge, Newsome, and [Jared] Dillinger were not allowed, and we ended up fourth there.”

“Ngayon, pinayagan na sila,” said Trillo, referring to Newsome and Hodge.

Newsome is a member of Gilas Pilipinas and has been considered as a local in FIBA tournaments since 2022, superceding the 10-year rule mentioned by Trillo. He has been in the PBA and Meralco since 2015.

Hodge’s stint in the league and with the Bolts dates back to 2012.

Chris Banchero, who has been in the PBA since 2012, is also cleared as a local for the Bolts in the BCL Asia tournament that will run from June 9 to 15.

PHOTO: Mark Cristino

“I think it’s already been cleared that they’ve been in the league long enough, 10 years. Hodge will be able to play, Banchero will play, New can play because he is the national team. We are allowed three imports and nine locals,” Trillo added.

Trillo, meanwhile, said Brandon Bates will not be playing for the Bolts in the BCL Asia being only in his sophomore year in the PBA.

“The guy that won’t be allowed this time is Brandon because he is new,” said Trillo.

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