Luigi Trillo joins Meralco Bolts as Norman Black's assistant coach

After a brief stint in the television panel, Luigi Trillo is back where he belongs.

The former Alaska head coach announced on Twitter that he would be joining the Meralco Bolts in the 40th Season of the Philippine Basketball Association as an assistant coach.

Trillo’s stint as the Alaska head coach ended after a surprising loss to GlobalPort Batang Pier in the early part of the 2014 PBA Governors’ Cup. He was replaced by his first assistant Alex Compton.

During that time Trillo was busy calling games as an analyst for TV5. His last assignment was during Game 5 of the PBA Governors’ cup finals when the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers completed their grand slam.

However, his heart remained with coaching. Prior to that game, Trillo divulged that he was already talking to a certain team but he did not announce which team it was.

“Coaching is my first love but covering the game will be fun,” Trillo said during that time.

This period also coincided with the rumors there would be a reshuffling of coaches for teams under Manny V. Pangilinan’s banner. Talk ‘N Text head coach Norman Black was moved to Meralco and former assistant coach Jong Uichico took his place.

“I was already talking to the MVP group during that time,” Trillo said in a phone interview with Yahoo Philippines Sports. “They asked if I was interested to join them but they didn’t specify what team and what capacity.”

During the tail end of the last PBA season, rumors also started to spread that Trillo was approached by San Miguel Beer and GlobalPort to be in their staff.

Trillo decided to sign with Meralco because of the opportunity to work with Black.

“It was really a big deal for me to know that coach Norman asked for me,” Trillo said. I idolized coach Norman when I was younger and I an excited to have the opportunity to help him and learn under him. Also, we both have chips on our shoulders. We’ll both be apart from the teams we coached last season and I think we both have something to prove.

“I think Meralco is a good fit because they nourish their relationships with their people and their values jive well with my personal values.”

Erstwhile Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio decided to take a break from coaching while Black’s lead assistant Sandy Arespacochaga was sent to assist Boyet Fenandez with the NLEX Road Warriors.

“I’m thankful and I feel blessed that I’m back to coaching after a short break,” said Trillo. “I signed a two year contract and I’m very happy with it. I liked wearing the tie because it’s formal but I’m excited to not wear it anymore. Change is good.”