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Whoever replaces injured TNT star Bol Bol — the Best Import frontrunner in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup — will have enormous shoes to fill

MANILA, Philippines – TNT is scrambling to find a replacement for import 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 opening quarter of their 87-76 loss to Meralco in Game 2 of their best-of-seven semifinals on Friday, May 22, following a non-contact play that left him unable to put force on his left foot.

The 7-foot-3 star needed to be carried to the locker room by his teammates and never returned.

“Ruled out. He’s done,” said Tropang Giga team manager Jojo Lastimosa of Bol after the game. 

“I think it’s a partial tear. It’s not a total tear, but nonetheless, 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 looking at bringing in either 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 for the Houston Rockets in the 2022-23 season, as a standby import 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 enormous shoes to fill.

In 15 games before Friday, Bol put up staggering numbers of 37.6 points, 14.3 rebounds, 4.1 blocks, and 1.9 assists to emerge as the top contender for the Best Import honors. 

Bol even delivered 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block in a 9:21 minutes of action in Game 2 before his injury.

Days and Chriss will both be flying from the United States. 

“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. I’m not saying that he lacks the ability, but Chriss is a more imposing import, 6’9, athletic guy, who has good experience, first-round draft pick, I think we have a better chance, if we go to the finals,” said Lastimosa. 

Game 3 is set on Sunday, May 24, at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com