Meralco’s Chris Newsome named PBA Player of the Week for the period of May 21 to 24

The Meralco Bolts have had a mixed run in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup, currently placed eighth in the standings with a 5-5 win-loss record, but have picked up recently after going on a two-game win streak.

Central to their recent run of good results has been the performances of team captain Chris Newsome, who has not only put on stellar performances but has also displayed leadership skills, inspiring his teammates to perform better.

The 34-year-old scored 19 points, along with seven rebounds and three steals to lead Meralco to an important 103-85 victory over the Blackwater Bossing in the absence of the suspended Cliff Hodge and followed that up with 21 points, five assists, and two steals, especially starring in the second half in their 108-92 win over the NLEX Road Warriors, giving them their second consecutive victory.

NEWNEW TYPE OF CHARGE ⚡️

Averaging 21.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, Chris Newsome lit up the court for the Meralco Bolts and earned the PBA Press Corps–Pilipinas Live Player of the Week honors in the Season 49 Philippine Cup. #PBASeason49 #PBAAngatAngLaban #OneSports pic.twitter.com/2Q1AAHrXwf

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) May 27, 2025

Notably, these two wins have given them an extra boost in their aim to secure qualification for the quarterfinals of the Philippine Cup, giving them a three-win cushion over ninth-placed Phoenix Fuel Masters.

His stellar performance earned him the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honor for the period of May 21 to 24. He edged out teammate CJ Cansino, TNT Tropang Giga’s Roger Pogoy, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Japeth Aguilar for the award. The recognition is given by journalists covering the PBA across broadsheets, tabloids, and online media.

This is the first time this season that Newsome has won the award, and during the week the guard also achieved history by becoming the latest entrant to the PBA’s 5,000-point scorer club.

Meralco will hope that Newsome continues this form when they face PBA powerhouse Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in their next game on Friday, May 30, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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