IF you go to a PBA game hoping to get a selfie with or an autograph of Bol Bol, don't keep your hopes up, at least for now.
The celebrated TNT import has been giving Filipino fans the cold shoulder since his first game in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup last Friday.
That was evident during shootaround prior to TNT's game against Rain or Shine at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum where a couple of fans came early and converged at the back of the TNT bench spotted Bol seated.
READ Chot says Bol Bol still adjusting to PBA brand of basketball
Unfortunately, Bol didn't accommodate requests from every single one of them.
Bol has also made himself scarce for interviews with the media and even with the league's broadcast partner Cignal/TV5, which happens to be under the same corporate family as his ballclub.
One member of the production outfit expressed dismay over Bol declining an interview request prior to the game against Rain or Shine for the broadcast team's in-game reports. The TV staff said there is a lot of interest in one of the most high-profile imports to ever play in the local pro league.
Bol also didn't grant a TV interview when he was named as the Best Player of the Game in TNT's 103-97 win over NLEX on Sunday.
A few league regulars also can't help but compare Bol with TNT's resident import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who is very friendly with the fans. RHJ, also a former NBA player, isn't around for TNT this season after suffering an Achilles tear during his time with Meralco in the EASL.
“Siya pa magsasabi minsan sa bouncer na hayaan lang na lumapit ‘yung mga fans,’’ said a source.
Still, a person within the team gave Bol the benefit of the doubt, speculating that safety measures may have something to do with it.
“Dinudumog kasi siya,” said a person from the team.
Maybe his attitude could change once he gets acclimated and feels the warmth of the Filipino fans. But then again, it might not. - Reuben Terrado
PNVF, PVL clubs finally set for dialogue
THE fate of the proposed Alas Pilipinas draft has reached a critical juncture.
SPIN.ph has learned that leaders of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) will sit down with PVL teams' representatives at the soonest possible time to reassess their stance on the controversial plan.
PNVF president Tony Boy Liao remains firm that the draft already has board approval, but will still hear out whether teams remain in concurrence or have shifted in opposition.
The proposal, aimed at centralizing the Alas Pilipinas pool, has divided stakeholders, raising questions about club autonomy and player availability in a fully professional PVL setting.
National team captain Jia de Guzman has also aired her opposing stance in a recent press conference, with some fans repulsive to the plan and expressing concerns over the players' welfare and federation overreach.
Liao, for his part, has begun bridging the gap, holding a weekend meeting with Rebisco vice chairman and CEO Jonathan Ng, a key figure tied to PVL clubs Creamline and Choco Mucho and the Alas Women program.
The upcoming meeting is expected to be a good gauge whether the draft pushes through or face further resistance. - John Mark Garcia
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