Diouf eyed to replace Bol as TNT import for one game

MANILA, Philippines — With 7-foot-3 behemoth Bol Bol now out for the rest of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, the TNT Tropang 5G are tapping Malick Diouf as a replacement.

The development was confirmed by TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa in a message to Philstar.com.

Diouf will be replacing the Best Import of the Conference frontrunner Bol, who sustained an Achilles injury during Game 2 of the semifinals, which TNT lost to Meralco, 87-76.

The former UAAP Most Valuable Player has been granted Philippine citizenship after Republic Act no. 12318 lapsed into law. 

“Yes, pending on securing [Diouf’s] papers,” Lastimosa said in the message. 

He bared that Diouf will only suit up for TNT for “only one game.”

However, they are “still looking” for a permanent replacement to Bol. 

Lastimosa earlier said that he had been in contact with the agents of Darius Day and Marquese Chriss after Bol’s injury.

With the series tied at one game apiece, the pivotal Game 3 will be on Sunday evening.