MANILA, Philippines – New basketball club Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) wants a competitive squad right away when it starts playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

“Our goal is to be competitive as early as Day 1,” said newly hired Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio in PBA.ph.

He said the acquisition of a high scorer in Macmac Cardona and a big man in Beau Belga is part of their efforts to assemble a tougher squad that will benefit Meralco in the long run.

“We are focused on a buildup that could stand the test of time,” said Gregorio.

Gregorio said that he expects Cardona and Belga to boost the offensive and defensive stock of the core that is composed of Bitoy Omolon, Gabby Espinas, Bonbon Custodio, Chris Ross, Dennis Daa, Chris Pacana, Yousif Aljamal, Pong Escobal, Marlou Aquino, Nic Belasco, Ogie Menor and Jason Misolas.

“Cardona is the go-to-guy that we want to build the team around. He is one of the best scorers in the league and I expect him to carry the scoring cudgels for us,” said Gregorio.

“Belga brings the youth factor and toughness to our frontline. He is a solid big man who can defend and has range on offense,” added Gregorio.

Meralco obtained Cardona and Belga through couple of deals following Meralco’s entry into the PBA.

Air21 traded its No. 4 pick in the coming draft to Talk ‘N Text to get Cardona, before the Lina Group team sent Cardona to Meralco for Josh Urbiztondo and the team’s No. 3 pick.

Cardona ended up in Meralco, Talk ‘N Text got a draft right while Air21 got Urbiztondo plus a draft pick.

Meanwhile, Meralco, Air21 and Talk 'n Text also made a trade involving Belga, JR Quinahan and Ali Peek.

The shuffle had Belga going to Meralco, Quinahan to Air21 and Peek to with Talk ‘N Text. --With a report from PBA.ph