Bol, ‘human cheat code,’ makes Tropang 5G a big puzzle
The arrival of Bol Bol to reinforce TNT’s title-retention bid in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup has not only created a lot of hype but also a lot of soul-searching on how opposing teams will deal with the 7-foot-3 NBA veteran.
But as excited as they are to see how Bol measures up along with the top team and fellow giants in the midseason conference that gets going on March 11, the Tropang 5G are also tempering expectations.
“We are excited to get him to play for us. A bit unexpected knowing his caliber,” TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa said. “But there’s still the question of him jelling with teammates and figuring out how to [maximize] his skills.
“Definitely looking forward to having him help us defend the crown,” added Lastimosa as Bol takes the place of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who was ruled out not just for the second conference, but also the Governors’ Cup after getting injured while playing for Meralco in the East Asia Super League.
Bol has somehow triggered a wave of giants set to invade the league, as most teams have taken advantage of the unlimited height limit for the Commissioner’s Cup.
Two of those teams met on Wednesday in a tune-up game, with Converge parading 7-footer Kylor Kelley against Blackwater’s 6-foot-11 Daniel Ochefu.
Kelley was still getting his feet wet when he saw action in the FiberXers’ 92-87 win at Hoops Gym in Mandaluyong City, but the ex-G-League player of the South Bay Lakers gave a glimpse of what he can bring to the team, eager to contend for the title.
He had one chase down block against Sedrick Barefield during the second half, and had another against Troy Mallillin with under 90 seconds left when the Bossing were trying to mount a rally.
“I think that’s a big reason I’m here, to be that defensive anchor, and hold down the paint, be that voice in the back line,” said Kelley.
No weaknesses?
Ochefu, who three years ago had a brief time with TNT in the East Asia Super League Champions Week, spent most of the contest showing some of his offensive skills, particularly in the midrange and some from beyond the three-point arc.
Recently, San Miguel landed 6-foot-11 Marcus Lee, while the guest team, Macau Black Bears, plans to have 7-foot-6 Sam Deguara as one of their reinforcements.
Terrafirma also brought in a 7-footer, Mubasha Ali, who did not see action in Saturday’s 124-109 loss to Rain or Shine at Acropolis Gym.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, aware of Ali’s absence after arriving just a day before the game, opted to give limited minutes to his import Jaylen Johnson, who is listed at 6-foot-9. Guiao knows his team is at a disadvantage against those with taller reinforcements.
“We’ll see if they have any weaknesses,” Guiao said. “If they have weaknesses, we’ll try to find something to counter their size. But what’s scary is that they might not have any weaknesses.”
He saved his best complement to Bol, whom he described as “my biggest concern.
“He’s a human cheat code,” Guiao said.
