MANILA — TNT Tropang 5G is racing to secure a new reinforcement after import Bol Manute Bol suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, forcing the team into an urgent roster overhaul in the middle of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
The injury to Bol, who had been a key presence for TNT in the playoffs, came during the first quarter of Game 2 against Meralco Bolts after he got tangled in a collision involving several Meralco players. TNT eventually absorbed the loss, further compounding the setback as the team now scrambles for a replacement before the series intensifies.
TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa confirmed that the franchise has already begun coordinating with agents in the United States, with former NBA first-round pick Marquese Chriss emerging as the leading candidate to replace Bol.
“I’m talking already to two agents right now. And I have two imports waiting,” said Lastimosa.
Aside from Chriss, TNT is also considering former reinforcement Darius Days, who already has familiarity with the team’s system after previously serving as a standby import during the preseason.
According to Lastimosa, however, Chriss appears to have the advantage because of his credentials and overall versatility.
“The guy we’re looking at, if he’s available, is Marquese Chriss. He’s 6’9”. He just came from China,” said Lastimosa.
“He’s a more imposing import. He’s a 6’9”, athletic guy. He has good experience. He’s a first-round draft pick. I think we have a better chance if we go to the finals to win the whole thing.”
Lastimosa admitted TNT believes it can remain competitive in the semifinals with Days, but stressed that Chriss could provide the championship-caliber boost the team needs if it advances to the finals.
“I think we can survive this semifinals with Days. But if we go to the finals, I don’t think we’ll be able to win with him,” said Lastimosa. “I’m not saying that he lacks the ability.”
Both Chriss and Days remain in the United States, with TNT monitoring which player can arrive in the Philippines soonest and become eligible for Game 4.
For Game 3, TNT temporarily tapped former UP Fighting Maroons foreign student-athlete Maodo Malick Diouf as its interim import while the franchise finalizes its decision./PN
