TNT will likely play all-Filipino on Sunday against Meralco in Game 3 of the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa said Malick Diouf is “not ready yet” hours before the pivotal Game 3 where the Tropang 5G will look to gain a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
Tip-off of Game 3 is at 5:15 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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The Tropang 5G found themselves scampering to find a new import after Bol Bol suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in his left foot in Game 2 of the best-of-seven semifinals series.
In a memo, TNT said it has signed Diouf as import pending the submission of documents such as a Uniform Players Contract (UPC) and a Games and Amusements Board (GAB) license.
Diouf, sources said, also need a Fiba clearance and a special work permit from Immigration.
A check with the PBA Commissioner's Office showed TNT has not submitted any of the documents to make Diouf eligible.
TNT was forced into a deadlock after losing to Meralco, 87-76, in Game 2 after Bol suffered the injury in the first quarter.
Bol has been relegated to the injured/reserve list but is already set to fly to the US to undergo surgery to repair his Achilles.
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