TNT Tropang 5G is moving swiftly to address a major setback in its title defense campaign, scrambling to secure a replacement import after Bol Manute Bol suffered an injury that could sideline him for the remainder of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
With only 48 hours before a pivotal Game 3 showdown against Meralco in their best-of-seven semifinal series at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, TNT management has intensified efforts to bring in reinforcements as uncertainty clouds the defending champions’ bid to return to the finals.
Team manager Jojo Lastimosa revealed that the Tropang 5G have already reached out to two potential replacements — former NBA players Marquese Chriss and Darius Days — following Bol’s suspected partial Achilles tear sustained early in Friday night’s Game 2 loss to Meralco, 87-76. The injury forced the 7-foot-3 import out of action and dealt TNT a major blow in the series.
“We’re exploring all available options,” Lastimosa told reporters after the game, noting that TNT has been coordinating with the players’ agents and is awaiting final confirmation before flying one of them to Manila.
Among the candidates, TNT is reportedly leaning toward Chriss because of his size, athleticism, and versatility. The 28-year-old, who stands 6-foot-9, was selected eighth overall in the 2016 NBA Draft and has played for Phoenix, Houston, Cleveland, Golden State, and Dallas. He also recently suited up in the Chinese Basketball Association.
“He’s the first guy we’re looking at,” Lastimosa said.
Days, meanwhile, remains a strong fallback option. The 26-year-old forward, listed at 6-foot-6, spent time with Houston and was previously TNT’s standby reinforcement during the Governors’ Cup while resident import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson recovered from injury.
Time, however, is quickly becoming TNT’s toughest opponent.
Lastimosa said both imports are prepared to leave the United States immediately if clearance is secured, giving them a slim chance to arrive before Sunday’s crucial encounter. The final decision could ultimately come down to one factor: availability.
“We’ll go with whoever can fly in right away,” Lastimosa said.
For TNT, the mission is clear — find help fast or risk watching its championship defense unravel before it can regain momentum.