7-Foot-3 NBA Veteran Bol Bol Is Coming to the PBA — But TNT Says 'Chill Muna, Let's See How He Adjusts'
The PBA just got a LOT taller. TNT Tropang 5G have signed 7-foot-3 NBA veteran Bol Bol as their import for the upcoming PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup, replacing the injured Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. But before fans start printing championship T-shirts, TNT team manager Jojo "Jolas" Lastimosa has a message: pump the brakes.
"It's nice to have a player of his caliber. I'm not gonna lie, but that still needs to [be] seen," Lastimosa told The Manila Times. Despite Bol's impressive NBA pedigree — six seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns, averaging 6.2 points and 3.5 rebounds across 202 games — the TNT official stressed that adapting to PBA-style basketball is a different beast entirely.
Bol, the 26-year-old son of late NBA legend Manute Bol, was the Miami Heat's 44th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. His 7-3 frame and lengthy wingspan make him an imposing defensive presence, but Lastimosa wants to see how that translates to the faster, more physical PBA game. "[Still depends on] how he adapts to the game here and how well he helps with the guys," he said.
TNT is bringing in Bol after losing Hollis-Jefferson to an Achilles injury last December. The former Brooklyn Nets forward — who won two Best Import awards and led TNT to three league titles since 2023 — got hurt while on loan to the Meralco Bolts in an East Asia Super League game. "We will miss Rondae's competitive spirit and his motor. Everyone needs to step up for him," Lastimosa shared.
Bol won't be the only giant stomping through the PBA this conference. The Macau Black Bears are bringing in 7-foot-6 Maltese center Sam Deguara, while Terrafirma has 7-footer Mubashar Ali and Blackwater signed 6-11 Daniel Ochefu. The Commissioner's Cup is about to look like an NBA Summer League — with a lot more lechon breaks. 🏀
Source: The Manila Times
