MOVE over, Ginebra, here comes TNT as a serious rival for being the most popular basketball team in the PBA.
Over the past several weeks, TNT games have shaken the basketball scene with big crowds watching the Tropang 5G go about winning and yes, occasionally losing, games in the country's oldest professional sports league.
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And the reason why this is so is because of one player. That guy is Bol Bol, the 7-foot-3 Sudanese-American whose NBA credentials have proven to be an attraction. The man is not just tall, he is tall and knows how to play basketball.
Since making his debut in the opening game against Rain or Shine, last March 20, during which Bol Bol made 38 points, the TNT import has averaged about 35 points per game and recorded 50 points against Titan Ultra.
What confirms Bol Bol as a certified superstar among imports is that tickets for TNT games are now purchased heavily online days before the game instead of during hours before the toss, a phenomenon that happens mostly when Gin Kings play.
As further proof, during the Labor Day game between TNT and Phoenix Super LPG, 12,711 fans trooped to the Big Dome to watch the match. Of course, it also helped that the next game featured Barangay Ginebra against Meralco.
So it is safe to say that come Sunday, expect a full house when Bol Bol and TNT lock horns against Justin Brownlee and Barangay Ginebra at the Mall of Asia Arena.
One piece of advice - get your tickets early. - Reuben Terrado
NU Lady Bulldogs welcome back 3x3 ace
NATIONAL University may have fallen short in the UAAP 3x3 women's division, but the Lady Bulldogs have reason to feel like winners after a prized member of the team rejoined the squad this past week.
Cielo Pagdulagan, who saw action in the past as a member of the Gilas Women, returned to play for the Lady Bulldogs at Ayala Malls Manila Bay for the first time in almost a year.
Sources said Pagdulagan was able to secure a clearance from her doctors after dealing with a heart ailment that sidelined her for the entirety of the women's basketball season last year.
She apparently has put the health scare behind her when the Season 87 Rookie of the Year and Finals MVP joined forces with Aloha Betanio, Bonie Solis, Dindy Medina, and Samantha Medina in representing NU.
Unfortunately, the Lady Bulldogs failed to make it past the eliminations with only a 1-6 win-loss record to show.
That is the downside. But the future is more important. With Pagdulagan back and ready to build up her game, NU may be a force to be reckoned with next season. - RL
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