Allein Maliksi is determined to stay healthy and remain a key piece for Meralco after injuries sidelined him for all but two games last season.
Maliksi had more time playing the role of cheerleader than being on the hardcourt after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs in his knee before being bothered by a back injury.
But Maliksi has shown signs of being a key contributor for the Bolts going into the 50th season with his performances in tune-up games, particularly against Converge and Rain or Shine.
‘I’m just trying to be efficient in terms of my movement while keeping myself fresh during the games, especially with my age,’ said Maliksi, who recently turned 38.
His absence was a big setback for Maliksi after a season in which he played an important role in Meralco’s breakthrough championship in the 2024 Philippine Cup.
With Maliksi out, the Bolts couldn’t get past the quarterfinals in all three conferences of Season 49.
‘I thought the momentum we had from that run would put us in a position to have another shot at the championship,’ Maliksi said. ‘But then I had surgery, and then during rehab I got another injury that prevented me from making a full recovery.
‘But I’m happy to be back to help the team. Like I said, I hope I can be efficient so that I can contribute this conference.’
The Bolts are not only focused on the Philippine Cup but are also set to compete in the East Asia Super League, reinforced by PBA Best Imports Justin Brownlee and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, third import Israel Romero, and naturalized big man Ange Kouame.