MALICK Diouf has been activated as TNT’s import and is eligible to play for Game 3 of the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against Meralco on Sunday.
READ: TNT needs to shift into another gear after untimely Bol injury
The 6-foot-11 Diouf, a champion and MVP with the University of the Philippines in the UAAP, replaces Bol Bol after the latter sustained a partial Achilles tear in his left foot last Friday.
The 27-year-old Diouf has reportedly been naturalized after a measure for his citizenship lapsed into law.
The Tropang 5G needed an import at the very last moment with Bol suffering the injury just two days prior to Game 3.
With Bol out, TNT lost to Meralco, 87-76, sending the series into a 1-1 deadlock.
An advisory of an import change has been sent by the league that included he is still required to submit vital documents such as the Uniform Players Contract, Games and Amusements Board license, and Letter of Clearance.
Diouf’s presence, however, could be temporary since the Tropang 5G remain on the lookout for a standout import that could take them to the championship even with Bol out.
TNT was considering former NBA first-rounder Marquese Chriss. but his agent Josh Beauregard-Bell of Wasserman Basketball told SPIN.ph columnist Homer Sayson that his client is “not going there.”
Darius Days is also on its radar.
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