PBA: Allen Durham has triumphant Meralco return: ‘It felt right’

MANILA, Philippines—It’s been quite some time since Allen Durham donned a Meralco jersey but he hardly missed a beat in his PBA return.

The Bolts turned to Durham in their season-opening win over Magnolia, 99-94, in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

Durham was back like he never left, posting a double-double with 19 points and 16 rebounds.

READ: PBA: Meralco scrapes past Magnolia in season opener

“I’ve been with this organization for a while, there hasn’t been just a basketball connection but also a brotherhood that’s been built over the years,” said Durham.

“Coming back here, it felt right. The only difference now is, we got experience.”

The last time Durham played for Meralco was back in 2019 when he powered the Bolts to a finals appearance in the Governors’ Cup against the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, who won in five games.

After the loss, Durham took his act to the Korean Basketball League before playing in the Japan B.League for three seasons.

READ: PBA: Returning Durham glad Meralco now knows winning feeling

In his fifth tour of duty for Meralco, Durham hopes to finally go all the way after leading the Bolts to three finals runs in the past.

“Now, everybody’s focused. At one point in the game we never got too high or too low.”

Up next for Meralco is TNT, which will have the services of a returning Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, on Thursday at the same venue.