Luigi Trillo confirms Ismael Romero will be Meralco’s import for PBA Commissioner’s Cup despite kicking controversy

Ismael Romero Fernandez has found himself at the center of controversy following a shocking incident during the Dubai International Basketball Invitational, raising serious questions about sportsmanship and accountability on the international stage.

The Cuban-Puerto Rican forward, known for his physical presence and scoring ability, was caught on video delivering two kicks to Zamboanga Valientes guard Nick Demusis following a collision during their January 28 matchup. The footage quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism from fans, players, and basketball analysts alike. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about conduct in professional basketball and the responsibilities of high-profile imports in international competitions.

Despite the controversy, Fernandez remains a major attraction in the basketball circuit. He currently represents the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team, the Meralco Bolts, as their import in the ongoing East Asia Super League (EASL). Known for his aggressive style and scoring prowess, Fernandez has consistently impressed coaches and fans with his ability to dominate the paint and contribute across the stat sheet.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo spoke to the media about Fernandez’s future with the Bolts, confirming that the player would be the team’s import for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup while emphasizing that he must take responsibility for his actions.

“Coach Nenad said he will play for us. I think he has to answer the press if he gets a chance, maybe show a little bit of humility and apologize. I know it happened away from the Philippines and that’s now with Meralco. But now that he’s part of our family, he has to carry himself better. And he is just human. What he did was wrong and I hope he can apologize,” Trillo said.

Meralco Bolts head coach confirmed that Ismael Romero remains the team’s top option for the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, even as the import continues to face criticism online following the incident where he kicked former PBA player Nick Demusis twice. l Via Zeus Valdez pic.twitter.com/X2n7HrZELd

— Fastbreak (@fastbreaknewsph) February 11, 2026

Trillo also called on fans to give Romero a second chance, citing precedents of players who returned from suspensions or controversies to make meaningful contributions to the league.

“But I hope our fellow Filipinos can give him a chance, a second chance. I mean, guys have been banned from our league. Some of the greatest players have been banned from our league and they have come back. He just needs to admit his wrongdoing and hopefully meet with Demusis,” Trillo added.

This statement marked the first time that Meralco’s management publicly addressed the issue since Romero arrived in Manila to join the Bolts. The incident has, however, drawn criticism from other top PBA figures, including legendary coaches Tim Cone and Yeng Guiao, who openly condemned the actions and even questioned Meralco’s decision to sign Romero. The debate underscores the challenge of balancing talent acquisition with player conduct and team reputation.

On the court, Romero showed why he remains one of the most sought-after imports in the region. In Meralco’s recent EASL game against the Ryukyu Golden Kings at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, February 11, Romero led all scorers with 24 points and added nine rebounds. Despite his strong individual performance, the Bolts fell 88-79, highlighting the team’s need for cohesion and support around their import.

Romero’s arrival in Manila adds intrigue to the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup, with fans and analysts closely watching whether he can maintain his high-level play while navigating the shadow of recent controversy. The Bolts will hope that Romero can channel his intensity on the court rather than off it, contributing to victories and helping the team contend for a top playoff spot.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on whether Romero takes the steps toward reconciliation, both with Demusis and the broader basketball community, and whether his talent can outweigh the controversy surrounding his actions. With his scoring and rebounding skills, he clearly has the tools to make a significant impact — but the question now is whether he can also uphold the professionalism expected of a PBA import.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.