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  • Bryan Sajonia, Bol Bol bag PBA Rookie and Reinforcement of the Week honors 

    Bryan Sajonia, Bol Bol bag PBA Rookie and Reinforcement of the Week honors 

    The PBA’s newest names are beginning to force their way into the spotlight, and this past week, no two players made a louder case than Bryan Sajonia and Bol Bol.

     

    Sajonia was named PBA Rookie of the Week, while Bol Bol took home Reinforcement of the Week honors after each delivered performances that not only stood out on the stat sheet, but also hinted at how important they could become for their respective teams moving forward in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    For Sajonia, the recognition came even in defeat—but that may have made it even more impressive. The Titan Ultra Giant Risers rookie turned heads in Sunday’s loss to Meralco, erupting for 29 points on five three-pointers and nearly helping drag his team back into the game after it fell behind by as many as 28 points. Titan Ultra eventually absorbed a 118-105 defeat, but Sajonia’s scoring burst became one of the night’s clearest bright spots.

     

    It was the kind of performance that showed why Sajonia is starting to gain traction as one of the more intriguing young names in the conference. Rather than shrinking against a veteran Meralco squad, the rookie kept attacking and continued to produce even as the game threatened to get away from Titan Ultra. In a conference where rookies often struggle to carve out meaningful roles this early, Sajonia has already shown he is capable of carrying offense in stretches and punishing defenses that lose track of him on the perimeter.

     

    The timing of his rise also matters for Titan Ultra, which has dropped to 1-3 in the standings but has remained competitive in spurts behind the growth of its younger core. 

     

    Sajonia’s emergence gives the Giant Risers another offensive weapon to develop around as they continue trying to find consistency in a conference where every win is valuable in the single-round elimination format. According to the latest league standings, Titan Ultra remains in the lower half of the table, but not yet out of striking distance of the playoff picture.

     

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    If Sajonia’s award was about promise, Bol Bol’s was about outright domination. The towering TNT Tropang 5G import overwhelmed San Miguel in one of the week’s marquee matchups, finishing with 34 points and 18 rebounds in a commanding 118-92 rout at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It was the kind of performance TNT envisioned when it brought in the former NBA big man, and it came against one of the conference’s most decorated and physically imposing frontlines.

     

    Bol Bol established control early, scoring efficiently, stretching the floor, and using his length to disrupt San Miguel’s rhythm on both ends. He got the better of reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo, who still put up 15 points and 20 rebounds, but could not match the overall impact of TNT’s import in a game that quickly turned lopsided. By the time the Beermen tried to recover, TNT had already seized complete control.

     

    More importantly for TNT, Bol Bol’s big night looked less like a one-off explosion and more like the continuation of a strong early conference run. Through his first few games, he has already established himself as one of the most difficult covers in the tournament, blending size, touch, and mobility in ways few teams have been able to answer. He has also helped steady TNT after an uneven start, lifting the defending Commissioner’s Cup champions to a 2-1 record and keeping them firmly in the early mix near the upper half of the standings.

     

    Together, the weekly honors reflect two very different but equally important stories unfolding in the conference.

     

    For Titan Ultra, Sajonia represents the kind of rookie development that can change the trajectory of a season, especially for a team still trying to establish itself. For TNT, Bol Bol is proving to be the kind of import who can tilt games—and perhaps the conference itself—if he continues to play at this level.

     

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  • “Always part of the game”: Chris Ross clears the air after on-court words with Bol Bol

    “Always part of the game”: Chris Ross clears the air after on-court words with Bol Bol

    The TNT Tropang Giga continued to assert their early dominance in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, delivering a commanding 118–92 victory over the San Miguel Beermen at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, March 28.

     

    With the win, TNT maintained its strong start to the conference, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive discipline against one of the league’s perennial powerhouse franchises. The team set the tone early and never looked back, building a sizable lead that ultimately proved insurmountable for San Miguel.

     

    At the center of TNT’s surge is their high-profile import, Bol Bol, who continues to make a significant impact in his first stint in Asia’s oldest professional basketball league. The former National Basketball Association big man delivered another standout performance, finishing with 34 points and 18 rebounds in approximately 34 minutes of action. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and dominate the glass has quickly made him one of the most talked-about reinforcements in the conference.

     

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    Beyond the stat sheet, however, Bol found himself involved in a heated moment during the third quarter. The 7-foot-2 forward exchanged words with San Miguel veteran Chris Ross during a coach’s challenge on a foul call, briefly adding tension to an otherwise lopsided contest. While the situation appeared intense on the floor, it did not escalate further.

     

    Ross, who is currently sidelined due to injury, downplayed the incident in his postgame remarks, emphasizing that such exchanges are part of the competitive nature of basketball.

    “He said we were down 20. I said I don’t care. That was it, it was just a little fun. It’s a long talk, it wasn’t much. That was it. It’s always part of the game. We shook hands after the game, he smiled. It is what it is. It’s talk. I’m not gonna fight. I don’t hate him, he doesn’t hate me. It’s just playing basketball and having conversation,” Ross said.

     

    Despite being limited to a spectator role, Ross remained actively engaged from the sidelines, providing leadership and vocal support to his teammates. The veteran guard also took a moment to praise Bol, recognizing the value of having a player of his caliber competing in the PBA.

     

    “I just told him to stay healthy and keep enjoying himself, having fun. He’s good for our league. Having someone of his stature and his profile, it’s really good for the league. He’s a player. He’s tall, he can do everything on the court. He seems like a good guy. So it’s hard to tell when you’re not playing, I can only say what I can see on the sidelines. He just makes the game a lot more fun,” he added.

     

    Ross has yet to suit up in the Commissioner’s Cup as he continues his recovery from an Achilles injury sustained during the All-Filipino Conference. The experienced playmaker recently reached a small but significant milestone in his rehabilitation journey.

     

    “I just got the boot off yesterday so I’m gonna start my treatments and getting my wind back. In the next couple weeks we will know more. We will see how it reacts to working and how I’m playing. We will see in the next week or two. Whenever I feel healthy, I will be back,” Ross concluded.

     

    While his return timeline remains uncertain, Ross’s presence continues to be felt within the San Miguel camp. Known for his leadership, defensive tenacity, and championship experience, he remains a key figure in guiding the Beermen through the early stages of the conference, even from the bench.

     

    As for TNT, the victory further solidifies their status as early contenders, with Bol Bol leading a balanced and confident squad. If their current form holds, the Tropang Giga could prove to be one of the most formidable teams in this season’s Commissioner’s Cup.

     

     

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  • Top 5 Tallest Imports in PBA History: Bol Bol, Peter John Ramos and the Biggest Giants to Play in the League

    Top 5 Tallest Imports in PBA History: Bol Bol, Peter John Ramos and the Biggest Giants to Play in the League

    Height has always been one of basketball’s most disruptive advantages, but in the PBA, true giants have often felt more like rare events than regular sightings.

    For decades, the league’s import rules often limited just how much size teams could bring in, making every unusually tall reinforcement feel like a spectacle the moment he stepped on the floor.

     

    That is part of what has made the arrival of Bol Bol such a talking point in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    At 7-foot-3, the former NBA big man instantly joined the short but fascinating list of the tallest imports ever to suit up in Asia’s oldest professional basketball league.

     

    But while Bol’s height makes him impossible to ignore, he is only the latest in a long line of towering reinforcements who turned heads, altered matchups, and forced entire teams to rethink how to attack the paint.

     

    Here’s a closer look at the top five tallest imports in PBA history — and why each one stood out beyond just the numbers on the measuring tape.

     

    1. Bol Bol — 7-foot-3

    Few imports have entered the PBA with as much curiosity surrounding them as Bol Bol. Long before he even made his TNT debut, his size, pedigree, and NBA résumé already made him one of the most intriguing names to arrive in the league in years.

     

    Standing 7-foot-3, Bol is not just tall in the traditional center sense — he is unusually mobile and skilled for someone with that frame. He can protect the rim, finish above traffic, and stretch the floor in ways most oversized imports simply could not.

     

    That versatility is what separates him from many of the giants who came before him. In the PBA, extreme height has often meant slower feet, limited range, or a narrower role. Bol changes that equation because he brings modern spacing and shot creation to a body type that already bends defenses by itself.

     

    His arrival also reflects a bigger shift in the league. With the Commissioner’s Cup now allowing unlimited import height, players like Bol are no longer impossible signings — they are now legitimate tactical options for title contenders.

     

    2. Peter John Ramos — 7-foot-3

    Before Bol Bol, one of the most unforgettable skyscrapers to play in the PBA was Peter John Ramos, the massive Puerto Rican center who also stood 7-foot-3.

     

    Ramos was the kind of import who instantly changed the geometry of a game. His size alone made him a natural interior anchor, and when he got deep position, there were very few local defenders who could do anything about it without sending help.

     

    But what made Ramos memorable was not just his height — it was how naturally he carried it. He was not simply a giant occupying space. He had legitimate touch, rebounding instincts, and the ability to make himself useful in half-court sets where many oversized imports can sometimes look stiff or disconnected.

     

    In a league built on speed, physicality, and relentless guard play, Ramos represented the classic “tower in the middle” archetype — the kind of player who forces opponents to either adapt or get punished around the basket.

     

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    3. Bruno Sundov — 7-foot-2¾

    If there is one towering import who often gets brought up whenever PBA fans discuss true size, it is Bruno Sundov.

     

    The Croatian big man, listed at around 7-foot-2¾, became one of the tallest imports to ever appear in the league and, for many years, remained one of the clearest examples of just how overwhelming sheer size can look in a PBA setting. The Philippine Star specifically cited him as the tallest import during an earlier period of league history.

     

    Sundov brought with him years of international and NBA-level experience, and that mattered. He was not just a novelty act or a curiosity because of his frame. He understood positioning, knew how to use his length defensively, and gave teams a genuine inside-out option when they needed structure.

     

    In some ways, Sundov felt ahead of his time for the PBA. In today’s no-height-limit environment, a player with his size and pro background would feel much less unusual. Back then, though, he looked almost outsized for the league itself.

     

    4. DJ Mbenga — 7-foot-0

    Unlike some imports whose appeal began and ended with size, DJ Mbenga brought a different kind of presence to the PBA.

     

    At 7-foot-0, Mbenga came in with serious defensive credentials and the reputation of someone who had already survived the physical demands of the NBA. That mattered because in a league as emotional and physical as the PBA, pedigree often shows itself not in highlights, but in how calmly a player handles pressure.

     

    Mbenga’s value came from his ability to impose structure. He gave teams a true rim deterrent, cleaned the glass, and made life harder for slashers trying to attack downhill. He may not have always been the flashiest giant to pass through the league, but he was one of the more credible interior enforcers.

     

    That is often the hidden value of very tall imports in the PBA. Sometimes, their greatest contribution is not what they score — it is how many shots they discourage before they even happen.

     

    5. Ryan Richards — 7-foot-0

    Ryan Richards, a legitimate 7-footer who actually entered the PBA import conversation during the modern no-height-limit era.

     

    Richards became part of the league’s evolving big-man landscape when teams began taking fuller advantage of the Commissioner’s Cup’s relaxed height restrictions. That shift opened the door for franchises to think bigger — literally — and Richards fit that new mold perfectly.

     

    What makes Richards notable is that he symbolizes the new wave of giant imports the PBA can now realistically attract. He is not just a throwback center planted in the paint, but a player whose international background and size give teams more lineup flexibility in a league that is steadily becoming more open to length and modern frontcourt play.

     

    His presence on this list also says something important about the PBA’s evolution: true seven-foot imports are no longer exceptions reserved for special cases. They are becoming part of the league’s changing identity.

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo braces for tough Bol Bol test as San Miguel faces TNT

    June Mar Fajardo braces for tough Bol Bol test as San Miguel faces TNT

    For all the buzz surrounding Bol Bol’s arrival in the PBA, June Mar Fajardo is refusing to view Saturday’s much-anticipated showdown as a personal duel.

     

    The longtime San Miguel star knows the challenge ahead is far bigger than a one-on-one battle, especially against a player as imposing and uniquely skilled as TNT’s towering 7-foot-3 import.

     

    As the Beermen prepare to face the defending Commissioner’s Cup champions at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Fajardo made it clear that containing Bol will require far more than just his individual effort.

     

    “For sure mahihirapan kami. Pero five-on-five naman ito, hindi naman ito one-on-one,” he said.

     

    That mindset reflects the reality of what Bol has already shown in his first two games with the Tropang Giga.

     

    The former NBA big man has wasted no time making his presence felt, averaging 39.0 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while immediately emerging as one of the most difficult matchups in the conference.

     

    His size alone already changes the way opponents defend, but what makes him even more dangerous is how comfortable he looks producing in space, finishing inside, and creating problems in transition.

     

    That is why Fajardo knows San Miguel cannot afford to simplify the task into one individual matchup.

     

    Even as the nine-time PBA MVP is expected to anchor the Beermen’s interior defense, the responsibility of slowing down Bol will likely depend on how well the entire team rotates, helps, and holds its structure inside.

     

    Still, if that challenge lands directly on him, Fajardo is not shying away from it.

     

    “Pero kung matapat sa akin si Bol, gagawin ko yung best ko na ma-stop siya. Hindi ko man siya ma-totally stop, at least ma-limit ko man lang siya.”

     

    That may be the most realistic goal against a player of Bol’s caliber. No defender is likely to completely erase someone with that kind of size, touch, and freedom to operate. But if San Miguel can disrupt his rhythm and make him work harder for his points, that could be enough to tilt the game.

     

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    The 35-year-old center has also opened the conference in strong form, averaging 21 points and 17.0 rebounds through the Beermen’s first two games. He is once again doing what he has done for years — giving San Miguel a steady, punishing presence in the paint.

     

    That was especially evident in Wednesday’s 103-99 win over Converge, where Fajardo delivered 27 points and 17 rebounds while helping the Beermen survive a physically demanding battle.

     

    It was not just a productive performance. It was also the kind of game that may help prepare him for what Bol brings next.

     

    Against Converge, Fajardo had to battle through constant pressure inside from import Kylor Kelley and local bigs Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar, a frontline built to test physicality, positioning, and endurance.

     

    That challenge, while different from what Bol presents, still served as a useful tune-up. Bol is a different kind of problem altogether — taller, longer, and more difficult to scheme for because of how much ground he can cover offensively. But Fajardo’s latest outing showed that he is already entering the TNT game with his rhythm and confidence intact.

     

    That matters for San Miguel, especially in a matchup that could carry early measuring-stick value for both contenders.

     

    The Beermen and Tropang Giga both enter the game with 1-1 records, making the showdown not just a marquee individual matchup, but also an important early test between two teams expected to be in the title picture.

     

    For Fajardo, there is clearly excitement around the challenge — but also the understanding that it will take serious preparation.

     

    “May ilang days pa naman kami kaya paghahandaan namin yung game na yan,” said the veteran center.

     

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  • Bol Bol draws attention on and off court as PBA reminds TNT of media duties

    Bol Bol draws attention on and off court as PBA reminds TNT of media duties

    Fresh off TNT Tropang 5G’s March 22 win over NLEX, where Bol Bol was named Best Player of the Game, the 7-foot-3 import once again chose to skip post-game interviews. 


    His continued absence from media availability prompted the PBA Commissioner’s Office to step in, issuing a memorandum to the TNT franchise reminding them of their responsibilities to supporters and the press.

     

    Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that the memo was sent following Bol Bol’s refusal to face the media, even after encouragement from team manager Jojo Lastimosa.

     

    Despite the situation, TNT head coach Chot Reyes stood by his import, emphasizing that Bol is still adjusting—not just to the PBA’s physical style of play, but also to the attention that comes with being one of the league’s biggest names. 

     

    “He really doesn’t like media attention. He’s a very private, very shy person,” Reyes said. 

    The son of late NBA player Manute Bol is navigating unfamiliar territory, where fan interaction and media presence are part of the role.

     

    “This is his first time outside the country. Everything is new to him—not just the game, but the culture,” the veteran head coach added.

     

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    Marcial pointed out that this isn’t a new scenario. He recalled a similar situation involving former TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who also had to be reminded of his responsibilities early in his PBA stint. 

     

    Over time, Hollis-Jefferson embraced the league’s culture and went on to become one of its most respected imports.

     

    Bol Bol’s situation appears to follow a similar path. Beyond skipping interviews, he has also been reserved when it comes to engaging with fans—a contrast to the expectations placed on star imports in the league. 

     

    Still, there is a belief within the organization that, like his predecessor, he will gradually warm up as he becomes more comfortable.

     

    On the court, In his PBA debut, Bol Bol delivered an eye-catching performance with 38 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks, immediately showcasing the kind of presence TNT envisioned when they signed him.

    While on his previous winning game, he was able to lead his squad with 40 points, 15 rebounds, and 1 assists. 

     

    As TNT continues its campaign, Bol Bol’s journey in the PBA is shaping up to be more than just about numbers. It’s a transition one that involves adapting to a new league and meeting expectations both on and off the court.

     

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  • Chot Reyes admits Bol Bol is still adapting to the PBA after a monstrous performance vs. NLEX

    Chot Reyes admits Bol Bol is still adapting to the PBA after a monstrous performance vs. NLEX

    The TNT Tropang Giga wasted no time bouncing back from their opening setback in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, grinding out a hard-fought 103–97 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, March 22, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    At the heart of TNT’s resurgence was their high-profile import Bol Bol, who delivered another eye-popping performance with 40 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks. The former NBA big man continues to make an immediate impact in his early PBA stint, following up his explosive debut outing where he tallied 38 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks in a narrow 112–109 loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

     

    Despite those gaudy numbers in his first game, TNT head coach Chot Reyes made it clear that statistics alone were not enough. The veteran tactician had openly expressed disappointment after the opening loss, pointing to a lack of effort rather than execution. That narrative, however, shifted after TNT’s response against NLEX.

     

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    “My entire pregame was very simple actually. It can boil down to one word and I just said it boiled down to effort. The reason why I was upset when we lost the last game was because I felt Rain or Shine just simply outworked us. For us, effort is a sacred value and we can accept teams outplaying us, being better than us, but we cannot accept the fact of losing the effort battle,” Reyes said in the postmatch press conference.

    The difference was evident on Sunday, as TNT showed more urgency on both ends of the floor, matching NLEX’s physicality while maintaining composure in crucial stretches. Bol’s dominance inside, coupled with improved team energy, allowed Tropang Giga to control the tempo and secure their first win of the conference.

     

    “That’s why today, that was my only message. I said I don’t care what you do, how many shots you miss, as long as we outwork the other team. And I thought Bol put in great effort on the floor,” he added.

     

    While Bol’s production has been nothing short of spectacular, Reyes emphasized that the 24-year-old is still in the process of adjusting to the unique style and intensity of PBA competition. Known for its physicality and relentless pace, the league presents a different challenge compared to the NBA.

     

    “But I think we still need to get a lot more work, some more work before he figures out really how to play here in the PBA. We told him. At least now, he is experiencing it first hand that this is a tough league. Hopefully, he keeps on improving,” Reyes concluded.

     

    With momentum now on their side, TNT will look to build consistency as they prepare for a marquee matchup against the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday, March 28, at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum. The brief break gives Reyes and his squad an opportunity to further refine their chemistry and reinforce the effort-driven identity their coach continues to demand.

     

     

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  • Rain or Shine Coach Yeng Guiao gears up to challenge TNT, Bol Bol in PBA clash

    Rain or Shine Coach Yeng Guiao gears up to challenge TNT, Bol Bol in PBA clash

    Rain or Shine, under the guidance of veteran coach Yeng Guiao, is set to face off against TNT Tropang Giga and their towering import Bol Bol this Friday, March 20, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

     

    The Elasto Painters come off a solid 116-109 win against the Macau Black Knights in their season opener of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup.

     

    Coach Guiao acknowledges TNT’s potential advantage, having scouted Rain or Shine’s first match and with the presence of Bol Bol, a towering import making his first overseas stint after playing for three NBA teams between 2019 and 2025.

     

    “Playing TNT and not having seen them play with Bol Bol, I think, gives them some sort of an advantage. They’ve seen us play now,” Guiao said. 

     

    “But at the same time, we also look at it as an advantage on our part for them to be playing their first game because I’m sure there’s going to be some adjustments on their part also,” he added.

     

    While TNT may have had the chance to study Rain or Shine in their opener, Guiao sees a potential edge in Bol Bol still adjusting to the pace and style of the PBA. 

     

    “I’m sure Bol Bol is going to be feeling out the game and making some adjustments. That might be an advantage for us, him not being able to familiarize and acclimatize himself with the local game,” the 66-year-old veteran coach noted.

     

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    Despite missing the chance to clash in the previous conference after falling to Meralco Bolts in the playoffs, the Elasto Painters are eager to reclaim their standing in the elimination round with strategic adjustments and team chemistry.

     

    Beyond the on-court matchup, this game represents an early test of endurance and adaptability for both squads, with Rain or Shine hoping to leverage their cohesive rotation and home-court momentum. 

     

    Coach Guiao believes the tactical chess match will be decided not just by Bol Bol’s presence but also by how quickly TNT’s supporting cast can adapt to Rain or Shine’s defensive schemes and transition game.

     

    Later in the evening, the Macau Black Knights will face off against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

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  • Calvin Oftana cautions against high expectations for TNT import Bol Bol

    Calvin Oftana cautions against high expectations for TNT import Bol Bol

    The arrival of Bol Bol has instantly made TNT one of the most talked-about teams ahead of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    But for Tropang Giga forward Calvin Oftana, the presence of the 7-foot-3 former NBA big man doesn’t automatically translate to a championship repeat.

     

    Speaking on the sidelines of the PBA All-Star Weekend, Oftana stressed that reputation alone won’t decide the outcome of games once the conference begins.

     

    “Hindi naman porke ganito yung import ninyo, ganun ang import ninyo,” said Oftana.

     

    “Pagdating naman kasi sa laro iba na yung mindset nun. Lahat gustong manalo.”

     

    The Gilas Pilipinas forward admitted he has yet to spend much time on the court with Bol as he was busy with national team duties during the recent FIBA World Cup qualifiers before turning his attention to rehabilitating an ankle injury.

     

    Because of that, Oftana said he hasn’t been able to fully gauge where the towering reinforcement currently stands in terms of conditioning.

     

    “So far OK naman siya pero sabi nga nila wala raw sa kundisyon,” he said.

     

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    Fortunately for TNT, the team still has time to build chemistry before opening its campaign. The Tropang Giga are scheduled to play their first game of the conference on March 20 against Rain or Shine.

     

    Despite the attention surrounding Bol’s arrival, Oftana shared that the South Sudanese-American has kept a low-key presence within the team.

     

    “Approachable naman siya, pero mahinhin,” said the former NCAA MVP from San Beda.

     

    “Pero ganun naman ang mga import. Dati si Rondae (Hollis-Jefferson) ganun din naman. Pero kalaunan nung naglalaro na kami, nakukuha na namin yung loob niya. And napapatawa na siya ng mga kasama ko.”

     

    Even as TNT prepares to defend its crown, Oftana believes the road to another title will be far from easy.

     

    He pointed to several contenders who could stand in the way of the Tropang Giga’s bid, including powerhouse teams San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra, along with guest squad Macau Black Bears.

     

    “Maraming quality imports na dumating ngayon this conference,” Oftana admitted.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine brace for towering tests in Commissioner’s Cup opening games 

    Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine brace for towering tests in Commissioner’s Cup opening games 

    Size will greet Rain or Shine Elasto Painters the moment the Commissioner’s Cup tips off.

     

    In a conference known for unleashing high-impact imports, Rain or Shine may have drawn the most daunting opening stretch of all in the Philippine Basketball Association 50th Season. Their first two assignments? A 7-foot-6 giant and a 7-foot-3 former NBA mainstay.

     

    The Elasto Painters begin their campaign on March 14 at the Ynares Center Montalban against guest team Macau Black Bears, which is set to parade Sam Deguara. At 7-foot-6, Deguara is poised to become the tallest player ever to suit up in the league’s 50-year history — a literal and symbolic reminder of how this midseason tournament shifts the competitive landscape.

     

    Six days later, the challenge only intensifies. Rain or Shine heads to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for a March 20 clash with TNT Tropang Giga, where 7-foot-3 Bol Bol will make his much-anticipated PBA debut. With a six-year NBA résumé from 2019 to 2025, Bol arrives not merely as a tall reinforcement but as one of the most decorated imports in the field.

     

    For a Rain or Shine squad built more on speed and grit than sheer height, the early matchups present a puzzle.

     

    “Problema talaga ‘yan,” admitted head coach Yeng Guiao when asked how his team plans to deal with towering reinforcements like Deguara and Bol.

     

    “I think we will only know how we can look for a scheme to siguro not to totally neutralize them but make them a little bit less effective when we see them play mismo. What we can do now is rely on the videos and past tapes nila, past performances. But iba pa rin ‘yung mag-adapt sila sa style ng PBA,” Guiao said.

     

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    The veteran tactician, known for squeezing advantages out of undermanned lineups, is approaching the challenge cautiously.

     

    “We will see how they will adapt. We will see if they have any weaknesses kung may weakness sila. We will try to do something to counter their size. Ang nakakatakot baka wala silang weakness,” Guiao added.

     

    Among the two, Bol looms as the greater concern.

     

    “Si Bol Bol, napapanood ko naman sa NBA, napapanood ko naman highlights niya. I think he will be a problem among all the imports. Ang pinakamalaking concern ko si Bol Bol. Wala pa kaming nakikitang paraan para mapigilan siya.”

     

    “He can own the paint, offense and defense. He is a human cheat code actually,” Guiao said.

     

    The Commissioner’s Cup has always been a tournament where matchups dictate destiny. For Rain or Shine, destiny arrives early — and it stands well over seven feet tall.

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo gears up for matchup with Bol Bol in PBA

    June Mar Fajardo gears up for matchup with Bol Bol in PBA

    The coming PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup isn’t just about another title chase, it’s shaping up to be a showcase of size, skill, and supremacy in the paint.

     

    With the league scrapping height restrictions for imports on the upcoming conference, the spotlight immediately shifts to a looming collision between two towering figures. The nine-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo and TNT’s new reinforcement, 7-foot-3 Bol Bol.

     

    For years, Fajardo has stood as the PBA’s most imposing presence. At 6-foot-10, he has built a dynasty with San Miguel, collecting championships, a record 13 Best Player of the Conference awards, and Finals MVP trophies. 

     

    But the arrival of Bol Bol the 26-year-old son of late NBA veteran Manute Bol presents a different kind of challenge.

     

    “Maraming papahirapan yung import na yun. Di lang kami. Buong liga siguro mahihirapan sa kaniya,” Fajardo said.

     

    TNT, the defending champion, doubled down on its bid to repeat by tapping Bol Bol. The Tropang 5G are widely viewed as the team to beat, and his combination of length, mobility, and NBA seasoning only strengthens that perception.

     

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    The former 44th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft last suited up in the league in April 2025 with the Phoenix Suns. He also had stints with Denver and Orlando. Flashes of the versatile skill set that made him one of basketball’s most intriguing long-limbed prospects.

     

    Yet for all the buzz surrounding Bol Bol, Fajardo remains steady and views the matchup as fuel.

    “Hahanapan ng paraan yun para ma-stop siya,” the 36-year-old Cebuano said.

     

    Fajardo knows that containing TNT won’t rest on a single player’s shoulders. While the much-anticipated showdown between towering big men is bound to draw attention.

     

    To strengthen its title defense in Season 50, San Miguel, the PBA’s winningest franchise tapped the 6-foot-11 Marcus Lee as its import for the upcoming conference.

     

    Lee brings solid credentials to the Beermen as he played collegiate basketball at the University of Kentucky before transferring to the University of California, and went on to build a lengthy professional career overseas after going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft.

     

    He now joins a San Miguel squad riding high from its championship triumph in the season-opening Philippine Cup, aiming to help the team secure a back-to-back title.

     

    Fresh off another dominant campaign capped by a record fifth Finals MVP, Fajardo enters the mid-season conference not defending his stature, but reinforcing it. At 36, he remains the standard by which PBA big men are measured.

     

    The Commissioner’s Cup, it seems won’t just test who stands tallest, but who stands strongest when giants collide.

     

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