WAS it the fine and possibly the threat of more to come that eventually forced the hand of Bol Bol to be kinder and more responsive to PBA fans and media who clamored for access to the popular ex-NBA player?
No one knows for sure. What is known is that the PBA commissioner imposed an undeclared amount of fine after the 7-foot-3 Bol Bol, who's been having an amazing debut with the TNT Tropang 5G, repeatedly refused photo ops with fans and interviews with media, including the league's official broadcaster, Cignal, according to sources.
PBA issues memo reminding Bol about responsibility to fans, media
The last straw apparently was the second game when TNT beat NLEX, 103-97, during which the 26-year-old Sudanese-American, who scored 40 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, emerged as Player of the Game but refused the mandatory post-game interview.
It forced the PBA to issue a memo to TNT and Bol Bol, accompanying the letter with a corresponding fine for the import, which a source confirmed.
“May pina (fine) yun, pero hindi naman gaano kalakihan,” the source said, adding there had been precedents about such cases that also resulted in fines.
Eventually, Bol opened up and finally became receptive following a 118-92 TNT blowout of San Miguel Beer. He allowed himself to have photos with the fans and signed autographs on several memorabilia, leaving every one happy.
Maybe, except Bol Bol. - Gerry Ramos
Kadeem Jack was top Titan Ultra target
Kadeem Jack was considered by Titan Ultra to be its import in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, according to sources.
The player made a reputation as the import that brought NorthPort to the playoffs before it left the PBA when the Batang Pier rose to the top spot in the49th Season Commissioner's Cup elims before they were ousted by Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals.
That campaign proved to be the second to the last conference of the Batang Pier in the PBA. The team disbanded and the franchise was later purchased for P200 million by Pureblends Corporation and rechristened Titan Ultra.
Jack played in China's second-tier basketball league, and the Giant Risers reached out to him during the offseason. Things, however, didn't pan out as planned and the Giant Risers eventually inked Michael Gilmore, who was also coming off a stint in the same league. - Reuben Terrado
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