MANY basketball fans are mystified, others dejected, and some miffed by Bol Bol’s firm refusal to pose for selfies or engage in small conversation when approached before and after PBA games.
The public seems to have taken a strong liking for the 7-foot-3 Sudanese-American, an NBA player just months ago, because of his cool demeanor in the face of the defense applied by opponents that sometimes borders on unwarranted physicality.
But Bol Bol has not returned the public’s adoration and reportedly has mainly kept to himself when it comes to dealing with fans, preferring only to banter with his TNT teammates.
SOURCES SAY TNT import still untoucha-Bol for PBA fans
The import, one of the tallest and best players to ever grace the local pro league, apparently treats his privacy so dearly that even attempts by the PBA’s own TV broadcaster for interviews has been turned down, SPIN.ph reported, thus keeping Bol’s thoughts on the league and its style of play untold.
Perhaps I can understand Bol Bol’s situation when it comes to fans aggressively moving around him and asking for selfies. He reminds me of Chinese superstar Yao Ming whom some Filipino reporters approached and tried to get pictures with him during the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
He refused, waving his hand, and walked away.
One of the Philippines’ sports officials sprinted and talked to Yao Ming - in Chinese - explaining that we were not souvenir seekers but reporters planning to write an article about meeting him at the dining area.
It was only then that Yao Ming agreed, reluctantly, to have his photo taken.
During the brief discussion with Yao Ming, the Filipino-Chinese official asked why he rejects requests for photos.
According to the official, Yao Ming said he does not want to be “treated like a freak item, like a circus attraction.”
Yao Ming, one of China’s top basketball players then, and the No. 1 NBA draft pick by the Houston Rockets in 2002, stands at 7-foot-6.
Could be the same thoughts in Bol Bol’s mind. Already unique by carrying a name that evokes mirth from local fans, he does not want to add to it by posing for photos with Lilliputian Filipinos who probably will show it to friends, followed by laughs, treating him like a Big Dome sideshow.
Bol Bol probably wants people to respect his game, not his height.
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