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Whoever replaces injured TNT star Bol Bol — the front-runner for Best Import in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup — will have a lot of shoes to fill.
MANILA, Philippines – TNT is scrambling to find a replacement for Bol Bol after the former NBA player suffered a suspected Achilles injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Bol exited late in the first quarter of their 87-76 loss to Meralco in Game 2 of the best-of-seven semifinals on Friday, May 22, following a non-contact play that left him unable to keep power in his left leg.
The 7-foot-3 star had to be carried to the locker room by his teammates and never returned.
“He’s been eliminated. He’s done,” said Tropang Giga team manager Jojo Lastimosa of Bol after the game.
“I think it’s a bit of a tear. Not a complete tear, but anyway, it’s an Achilles problem. We’ll see after the MRI, they’re in the hospital now. Bummer.”
With Bol sidelined, Lastimosa said TNT is aiming to bring in Darius Days or Marquese Chriss, who are also former NBA players.
The Tropang Giga have been in contact with Days, a 6-foot-7 forward who suited up for the Houston Rockets in the 2022-23 season, as a standby for the season-ending Governors Cup.
Meanwhile, Chriss played six seasons in the NBA after being drafted eighth overall in 2016, averaging 7.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 292 games with the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Dallas Mavericks.
Whoever replaces Bol will have a lot of shoes to fill.
In 15 games before Friday, Bol put up a high number of 37.6 points, 14.3 rebounds, 4.1 blocks and 1.9 assists and emerged as a main contender for Best Import awards.
Bol even had 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block in 9:21 minutes of play in Game 2 before his injury.
Day and Chriss will both fly in from the US.
“I think we can survive this semifinal with Days, but if we go to the final, I don’t think we can win with him. I’m not saying he’s not capable, but Chriss is the most attractive guy, 6’9, athletic, who has good experience, first round pick, I think we have a better chance, if we go to the final,” Lastmoi said.
Game 3 will be scheduled on Sunday, May 24, at the Araneta Hall. – Rappler.com
