BOL Bol finally opened up and reciprocated the love and appreciation showered on him by Filipino basketball fans since arriving in the country and play for TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“I appreciate all the fans and just keep coming in all the games,” he said before a thrilled crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, who heard him talk on national television for the first time in the aftermath of TNT’s 118-92 demolition of San Miguel Saturday night.
The 7-foot-3 former NBA player put on another show by torching the Beermen for 34 points and 18 rebounds in the runaway win that gave the defending champions a 2-1 record in the standings.
READ: Bol Bol stands tall as he leads TNT blowout of San Miguel
And Bol is just beginning to feel comfortable with his team and his surroundings.
“I think I’m just getting used to the physicality and getting my teammates involved. I think that’s what has gotten us the last two wins,” said the son of the late NBA player Manute Bol.
Bol shot 14-of-28 from the field before finally calling it a day with less than four minutes left and the outcome of the game already in the bag for the Tropang 5G.
“I think we’re good [to]night. It was hard the first game, but after these last three games, I’m getting used to it. And they’re getting used to playing with me now, too.”
Later, fans mobbed the TNT import on his way out of the team dugout and reciprocated the love by allowing himself to take photos with him and even signing a few autographs.
Bol’s turnaround from reclusive to being sociable came after the PBA Commissioner’s Office issued a memo to the TNT management about the import’s responsibility to make himself available to fans and members of both the print and online media, and broadcast partner.
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