NBA players come and go in the PBA. But none, it seems, is like Bol Bol, a stratospheric Sudanese-American whose first game as a TNT player in the coming Commissioner's Cup is unmistakeably the most anticipated debut by an import in many years.
It's hard not to be intrigued by Bol. At 7-foot-3, he will be the tallest PBA import ever, although a previous one, PJ Ramos of Puerto Rico, who played for Kia, is as tall. But unlike Ramos, Bol, 26, has credentials that may make him take the PBA by storm.
His last NBA stint, for one, is not long ago. He was with the Phoenix Suns, an NBA team with championship aspirations and whose lineup included All-Stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, in the 2024-2025 season. Durant has since been traded to the Houston Rockets this year, but before the trade, Bol sat on the same bench and showered in the same locker room with the two superstars.
COLUMN: Can Bol Bol save the PBA?
In short, Bol, now nicknamed Two Bol, for reasons that do not need much explanation, played NBA brand basketball just months ago. During his now abbreviated stint with the Suns, he started 10 times, which, in the NBA, is a very big deal.
He is coming in therefore still smelling of NBA basketball. But unfortunately, as has been reported, 2Bol is still several days from being the Bol that played in the NBA. He is out of shape after being cut from the lineup and TNT physios, therapists and fitness people are working overtime to get him ready.
Bol will be ready soon. But are PBA teams ready for him?
Much discussed, of course, is Coach Yeng Guiao's assertion that TNT is "bringing a machine gun in a knife fight."
So crown the Tropang 5G now? Well, not so fast, guys.
While it’s not every day we see a player with legit NBA pedigree taking on PBA competition, it’s no guarantee these imports can lead their teams to the Promised Land.
Think of it this way: Ever seen a rare luxury car in EDSA? NBA level talent stands out like that in the local league — flashy, yes, but it’s not guaranteed to reach its destination ahead of the others, especially against those more familiar with Manila traffic.
A little dive into the track record of other big-name NBA ballers who played in the PBA reveals something that should temper expectations. Around 60-70 percent of high-profile imports (meaning, players drafted in the first round or played significant minutes in multiple seasons in the NBA) failed to win a title in their first — and for many of them - only stint in the PBA.
Here's some of the most notable NBA players that suited up for PBA teams and let's see who flamed out and who reveled in championship glory.
Quick exits
These NBA pros had short, unmemorable stops in the PBA due to various reasons, including injuries, poor fit, or early elimination:
Rick Brunson, known for his gutsy play as an NBA journeyman and father of Knicks star Jalen, only played one game for Ginebra (then known as Gordon’s Gin) in the 1998 Governors’ Cup. While he played well, his team lost to Shell, ending any hope of a playoff run and extended stay for Brunson.
D.J. Mbenga, part of the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers champion teams in 2009 and 2010, suited up for Barako Bull in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup. As a late replacement, he was a double-double machine but couldn’t lead Barako to the playoffs in the three games he played.
Josh Boone, the 23rd pick in the 2006 NBA draft who played 4 seasons in New Jersey, saw action for San Miguel in the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup. Despite monster numbers and a 2-0 slate, he was shockingly replaced because of injury and fit concerns.
Other notable mentions: Dennis Hopson, Josh Powell, Billy Thompson.
Great numbers, not good enough
These NBA vets made waves in the PBA but couldn’t tow their teams past the semifinals:
Scott Burrell, an NBA journeyman who won a championship in the Last Dance of Michael Jordan’s Bulls, came to Red Bull as a late replacement in the 2003 Reinforced Conference. He led the team to a 10-win run to reach the quarterfinals, but Burrell’s PBA stint ended there, losing to TNT.
Dickey Simpkins, one of the most decorated NBA champions to ever play in the PBA, helped Alaska reach the 2005 Fiesta Conference quarterfinals as the interior force for the Milkmen. The three-time champ with the Chicago Bulls, however, suffered a quarterfinal exit at the hands of Red Bull.
Darvin Ham may have been a shell of his high-flying self when he joined TNT for the 2006 Fiesta Conference. But the NBA champ and vet - and later Lakers coach - was a steadying force that just wasn’t enough to avoid a quarterfinal upset to Air21.
Other notable mentions: KJ McDaniels, Shabazz Muhammad, Quincy Miller, Glen Rice, Jr.
Close, but no cigar
These NBA role players became PBA stars that reached the Finals but fell short:
Terrence Jones, picked 18th in the 2012 NBA Draft with 234 games in the big league, towed TNT to the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup Finals. The walking triple-double threat of the Tropang Texters just couldn’t overcome San Miguel, led by fellow former NBA first-round pick Chris McCullough.
Renaldo Balkman, the Knicks’ 20th overall selection in the 2006 NBA Draft, had a colorful career both in the NBA and PBA. His first local league with Petron in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup ended when he chocked teammate Arwind Santos that got him a lifetime ban. He returned in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup after the ban was lifted, powering San Miguel to the finals, but fell short against the Justin Brownlee-led Ginebra.
READ: NBA players and their dads who played as imports in the PBA
Wes Matthews Sr. reached the NBA mountaintop twice with the Showtime Lakers before joining Ginebra in the 1991 Commissioner’s Cup. He may have won Best Import but failed to win the bigger prize of becoming a PBA champion.
Notable mention: Andrew Nicholson
Success stories
Here we see the elite group of NBA talent who won PBA glory:
Billy Ray Bates, remember him? He set the highest career playoff scoring average for a non-starter when he played for Portland, but playing in the PBA, he became a legend, a local legend, that is. Earning the moniker “Black Superman,” Bates carried Crispa to complete the 1983 Grand Slam and delivered Ginebra’s first title in 1986. He also holds the all-time highest scoring average record for PBA imports.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, selected 23rd overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, was a role player in four seasons in the NBA. But in the PBA, all he does was win. Starting in 2023, he has led TNT to three titles and bagged three Best Import awards as well before he was grounded by an injury.
Tony Harris, who played 3 seasons with the Sixers and Celtics, showed glimpses of explosive scoring ability in the NBA. In the PBA, he was fully unleashed, leading Swift to the 1992 Third Conference crown and etching his name in the record books with his 105-point output that remains untouched to this day.
Other notable champions: Chris McCullough, Antonio Lang, Glenn McDonald, David Thirdkill
Looking at this list alone, which is not by any means exhaustive, shows that less than 30% of big NBA names led champion PBA teams. But there’s a 46% chance that they can reach the big battle for the title. In terms of securing a playoff run, having high-profile NBA talents for PBA imports have a better rate at 75%.
Question is, which group will Bol Bol belong? We’ll find out soon.
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