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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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  • PBA Commissioner’s Cup: Ginebra battles NLEX, Meralco faces all-Filipino Rain or Shine

    PBA Commissioner’s Cup: Ginebra battles NLEX, Meralco faces all-Filipino Rain or Shine

    Friday’s PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup doubleheader carries more weight than a typical early conference night, with one matchup testing momentum and the other presenting a prime opportunity to grab control near the top.

     

    At 7:30 p.m., Barangay Ginebra tries to build on its strong opening win when it faces an NLEX side eager to bounce back from its first defeat. Earlier, Meralco looks to stay unbeaten and seize the lead against a Rain or Shine team that will be without suspended import Jaylen Johnson.

     

    The headliner under the Smart Araneta Coliseum lights pits Ginebra’s crowd-fueled energy against an NLEX squad that has quietly built its early run on poise and structure.

     

    The Gin Kings opened their campaign with a 110-93 rout of the Macau Black Knights behind Justin Brownlee, who posted 31 points and 10 rebounds, while RJ Abarrientos added 25. Stephen Holt and Troy Rosario also provided solid support.

     

    Still, Ginebra coach Tim Cone knows the Road Warriors are not a team to take lightly. NLEX has already shown it can control games with the steady play of Robert Bolick and the interior presence of Cady Lalanne. If the Road Warriors can slow the pace and keep the game in the halfcourt, they have a real shot at silencing the Big Dome.

     

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    In the 5:15pm curtain-raiser, Meralco enters with a golden chance to improve to 3-0. Rain or Shine will be missing Johnson after he was fined and suspended for his involvement in a fight during the Elasto Painters’ win over TNT Tropang Giga. The loss of a player averaging 33 points and 16.5 rebounds is a major blow, but Bolts coach Luigi Trillo is not expecting an easy night.

     

    “Sometimes they say that’s an advantage, but sometimes that can be a disadvantage,” he pointed out.

     

    “Kasi when the other team doesn’t play with an import you’re expected to win, right?” added Trillo. 

     

    “So, we need to handle our business. We need to see the video, we need to kind of lock in on them. Rain or Shine is a team that’s very capable even without an import.”

     

    Meralco has looked sharp in wins over Converge FiberXers and Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, with CJ Cansino, Chris Newsome, and Chris Banchero leading the local charge while import Marvin Jones continues to impress.

     

    Another boost has come from Jason Brickman, who followed up a quiet debut with 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists against Phoenix, showing signs he is settling in after an injury setback.

     

    For Ginebra, NLEX, and Meralco, Friday is more than just another date on the schedule.

     

    It is a chance to either strengthen early momentum, recover from a stumble, or take advantage of an opening that may not come around often in a tightly packed conference.

     

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  • Slow start, steady rise: Mikey Williams finding form for Converge amid PBA struggles

    Slow start, steady rise: Mikey Williams finding form for Converge amid PBA struggles

    The Converge FiberXers have stumbled out of the gates in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, managing just a single win against four losses to sit near the bottom of the standings in 11th place. While their record paints a grim picture, recent performances suggest the team may be inching toward better form.

     

    Their latest outing—a narrow 103-99 defeat to the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday, March 25, at the Ynares Center—offered a mix of frustration and optimism. Despite falling short, Converge showed flashes of cohesion, particularly on the offensive end, where ball movement and playmaking were noticeably improved.

     

    A key bright spot in the loss was the resurgence of veteran guard Mikey Williams. After a sluggish start to the conference, Williams delivered a more composed and impactful performance, finishing with 14 points on 33 percent shooting while also contributing three rebounds and eight assists. The outing marked a significant leap from his first three games, where he averaged just 3.3 points on a dismal 14 percent shooting clip.

     

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    Williams’ early struggles can largely be attributed to limited preparation time. The Filipino-American guard only joined Converge’s training camp a week before the Commissioner’s Cup tipped off, leaving him little opportunity to build chemistry with his teammates or fully integrate into the system.

     

    “My objective is to just keep stacking days. I’m in the lab everyday. I have got to keep working. I know I have played this game my entire life and things will come when they come. I’m not putting too much pressure on that. I’m just trying to do the little things to help my team so far,” Williams said in a media interaction.

    Beyond his scoring, Williams’ playmaking stood out as a crucial factor in keeping Converge competitive. The FiberXers actually out-assisted the Beermen, 25-23, a sign that their offensive execution is beginning to take shape despite the losses.

     

    “I have always been a willing passer. I’m just a playmaker. I have always molded my game around that. But guys are just knocking them down and I’m finding the right people in the right places,” he added.

     

    The numbers may not yet fully reflect it, but Williams’ growing comfort within the team’s system is evident. His ability to orchestrate the offense and create opportunities for teammates could prove vital as Converge looks to turn its campaign around in the coming weeks.

     

    “I’m still adjusting to everything. I’m still in the adjustment period but slowly but steadily, everything is going in the right direction for me. Morale wise, I think that’s the biggest takeaway for me,” Williams concluded.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup progresses, Converge will be hoping that these incremental improvements translate into wins. Their next challenge will be a daunting one, as they prepare to face league powerhouse Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday, March 29, at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    With momentum slowly building and Williams finding his rhythm, the FiberXers will be eager to prove that their early struggles are merely growing pains rather than a sign of deeper issues.

     

     

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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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  • Marcus Lee delivers on promise as San Miguel nabs first win 

    Marcus Lee delivers on promise as San Miguel nabs first win 

    Before San Miguel Beer finally found its footing in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, there was first a conversation — one that may have changed the course of its early campaign.


    Coming off a disappointing debut, Marcus Lee did not wait for coaches to call him out or teammates to challenge him. Instead, he approached the San Miguel staff himself, owning up to a performance he knew was not close to the standard expected of him.

     

    That moment, according to head coach Leo Austria, mattered.

     

    “After the last game, he approached Coach Gee and me. He told us na, ‘Coach, next game, what happened last game will never happen again.’ That’s what he promised to us,” Austria said after their 103-99 win over Converge on Wednesday at the Ynares Center.

     

    For San Miguel, the victory was important because it was their first of the conference. For Lee, it was important because it was his response.

     

    In his first appearance for the Beermen, Lee looked out of sync and largely ineffective, managing just four points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals in nearly 25 minutes during San Miguel’s stunning loss to Titan Ultra. It was the kind of opening that immediately invited questions, especially for a team trying to establish rhythm early in the tournament.

     

    This time, though, Lee played with a far different edge.

     

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    He may not have exploded offensively, but his impact was felt in the areas San Miguel badly needed. The American big man finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, while also recording all three of the Beermen’s blocks in an all-around outing that steadied the team on both ends of the floor.

    More than the numbers, however, it was the manner of his contribution that stood out.

    Rather than trying to force a scoring breakout, Lee leaned into the details—protecting the rim, moving the ball, and making himself useful in possessions that did not always end with him. It was a quieter kind of influence, but one that gave San Miguel structure in a game where every possession mattered.

    Austria, for one, appreciated exactly that.

    “He’s still adjusting to the kind of game we have. Medyo nawawala pa rin siya. But I’m so happy doon sa kanyang ginawang defense tonight,” he lauded.

    That trust became even more evident late in the contest.

    After being left on the bench for the entire fourth quarter in San Miguel’s previous loss—when the Beermen opted to close with an all-Filipino unit—Lee was instead part of the finishing group this time around. It was a subtle but meaningful shift, one that reflected how much more comfortable the coaching staff had become with him in pressure moments.

    And while his defense drew praise, Austria also pointed to another area that gave the Beermen a lift: Lee’s willingness to create for others.

    “Almost triple-double siya doon sa kanyang scoring. Double figures sa rebounds and in scoring, and six assists,” he said.

     

    That playmaking dimension added another layer to Lee’s game, one Austria joked could become even more valuable moving forward.

    “Pwede nga naming gawaing point guard,” he added in jest, “kasi he could bring the ball, there are a lot of players na pine-pressure yung point guard namin.”

    It was said with humor, but the point underneath was real.

    San Miguel does not necessarily need Lee to be its top scorer every night. What it needs is reliability—someone who can stabilize possessions, defend with consistency, and complement the firepower already around him. In that sense, Wednesday may have offered a more useful glimpse of what Lee can be for the Beermen than any scoring explosion would have.

    For now, one bounce-back game does not erase all uncertainty. Lee is still adjusting, and San Miguel is still searching for its best form in a conference that rarely allows teams much time to settle.

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  • Ricci Rivero fires career-best 40 points in win over streaking Terrafirma 

    Ricci Rivero fires career-best 40 points in win over streaking Terrafirma 

    For three games, Terrafirma had looked like one of the early surprises of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    On Wednesday night at the Ynares Center, however, Phoenix made sure that unbeaten run came to a crashing halt — and Ricci Rivero made sure everyone knew exactly who was in charge.

     

    Rivero delivered the finest scoring night of his PBA career, pouring in 40 points in a dazzling all-around performance that fueled the Fuel Masters to a 133-105 demolition of the Dyip. It wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was a statement win for a Phoenix squad trying to establish itself as a legitimate playoff threat.

     

    From the opening half alone, Rivero had already seized control of the game.

     

    He dropped 21 points before halftime, setting the tone for a relentless Phoenix attack that blew the game open in the second quarter. 

     

    By the time the Fuel Masters finished their surge, they had turned what was expected to be a competitive matchup into a one-sided showcase of firepower.

     

    Rivero did the damage from everywhere — knocking down seven triples, attacking in transition, and creating for others whenever Terrafirma tried to send extra attention his way. He also finished with six rebounds and eight assists in a complete performance that showed both confidence and command.

     

    The outburst couldn’t have come at a better time for Phoenix, which was looking to respond after absorbing a 93-86 loss to Meralco in its previous outing. Instead of lingering on that setback, the Fuel Masters answered with their most explosive showing yet.

     

    Coach Charles Tiu made it clear the result meant more than just one big night.

     

    “We’re just trying to rack up some wins,” said the young mentor. “Kasi ang goal lang naman namin, first and foremost, is to try to make a playoff push. We know naman that the Phoenix franchise has been hungry for a playoff berth.”

     

    Phoenix certainly played like a team with urgency.

     

    While Rivero stole the spotlight, he had plenty of support. Ef Escandor added 20 points, doing much of his work in the fourth quarter to keep the pressure on as the Fuel Masters buried any hopes of a Terrafirma comeback. Import James Dickey III supplied a steady interior presence with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while also stuffing the stat sheet with three assists, three steals, and a block.

     

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    Evan Nelle chipped in 14 points, and veteran big man Prince Caperal contributed 11, as Phoenix spread the floor and punished Terrafirma with wave after wave of offense.

     

    By the final buzzer, the numbers painted the picture of just how sharp the Fuel Masters had been. Phoenix shot 52.8 percent from the field and drilled 19 three-pointers, a shooting display that left the Dyip chasing shadows for most of the night. The Fuel Masters even erupted for 40 points in the third quarter, turning the game into a full-scale rout.

     

    ‘The shooting was good. I wish we could shoot like this every game,” said Tiu.

     

    For Terrafirma, the loss served as a harsh reset after its dream start. Jerrick Ahanmisi did everything he could to keep the Dyip afloat, erupting for 37 points in a brave offensive effort. But outside of him, consistent scoring never arrived. Import Mubashar Ali was the only other player in double figures with 13 points, though he did haul down 17 rebounds while absorbing much of Phoenix’s defensive attention.

     

    The bigger concern for Terrafirma may be what lies ahead.After opening the conference with three straight wins, the Dyip now head into a far more unforgiving stretch, with Magnolia, TNT, and Rain or Shine waiting in their next three assignments. 

     

    Their early momentum has given them a cushion, but Wednesday’s blowout also exposed how much tougher life becomes once teams begin to zero in on them.

     

    As for Phoenix, the victory may prove to be more than just a tally in the win column.

     

    At 3-1, the Fuel Masters are now level with Terrafirma in the standings, but they carry the edge in confidence after a performance that showcased their offensive ceiling. More importantly, it offered a glimpse of what they can become when Rivero is at full throttle and the supporting cast follows.

     

    Phoenix will now have time to build on that momentum, with its next game not coming until April 5 against NLEX at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

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  • Arvin Tolentino keeps PBA return in play while staying locked in on KBL run

    Arvin Tolentino keeps PBA return in play while staying locked in on KBL run

    Even as his career continues to unfold overseas, the pull of home remains a constant for Arvin Tolentino.

     

    Now suiting up for the Seoul SK Knights in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), the former PBA standout isn’t shutting the door on a return to the Philippines—but he’s in no rush to make that decision.

     

    “Of course, still home for me ang Philippines. Iba pa rin kapag nasa sariling bayan ka,” said Tolentino before heading back to Korea following his team’s exit in the East Asia Super League finals.

     

    “But right now, wala pa yan sa isip ko dahil I’m still focused on my team (Seoul SK Knights).”

    Tolentino’s situation is unique. Unlike several players affected by the PBA’s three-year ban on those who bypass contract offers to play elsewhere, the 30-year-old wingman left for Korea before the rule was enforced. That timing leaves the door open for a potential return whenever he chooses.

     

    Still, any talk of a comeback remains distant. Tolentino is currently in the first year of a two-year deal with the Knights, with a possible option to decide his next move afterward.

     

    “Two years and then I have an option to come back on the third (year),” he shared.

     

    “Yung two years na yun baka puwede pag-isipan (PBA comeback). But right now, I can’t answer anything regarding that.”

     

    For now, his focus is firmly on carving out a role in a league that has tested him in new ways. The transition from the PBA to the KBL has been far from seamless, particularly with the pace and style of play in Korea.

     

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    “Doon ako nag-struggle. Ang bibilis ng mga ito (Koreans). Pero inunti-unti ko sa practice. Habol lang ng habol sa mga guwardiya hanggang nasanay na,” he admitted.

     

    “Of course, yung strength ko pa rin is spacing the floor, doon talaga ako nag-focus. Yun ang hindi puwedeng mawala.”

     

    Nearly a year into his stint abroad, Tolentino says the adjustment is still ongoing.

     

    “I can’t say na 100 percent adjusted na ako. Until now marami pa rin (adjustments), kasi super different e. Iba yung PBA and KBL,” he said.

     

    His path also differs from most Filipino imports in Korea, many of whom transitioned directly from the collegiate ranks.

     

    “Kasi yung iba doon galing college. Ako lang yung may experience from the PBA to KBL,” he explained. “So I have to adjust on my own and really be smart.”

     

    Despite the learning curve, Tolentino has quietly put together a steady campaign for Seoul. In the 2025–26 KBL season, he is averaging around 11.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game in roughly 21 minutes of action, while shooting an efficient clip from the field and beyond the arc. 

     

    In the Seoul Knights campaign in the East Asia Super League (EASL) however, the former FEU Tamaraw has averaged 18 points per game leading the Knights to an EASL quarterfinals appearance. 

     

    Those numbers reflect a player still finding his full rhythm in a new system, but already contributing to a team that remains firmly in the upper half of the standings.

     

    And while the future remains open-ended, one thing is clear: whether in Korea or back home, Tolentino is determined to keep evolving his game—one adjustment at a time.

     

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  • PBA rejects Rain or Shine request to overturn Jaylen Johnson’s suspension

    PBA rejects Rain or Shine request to overturn Jaylen Johnson’s suspension

    The PBA Commissioner’s Office has upheld disciplinary sanctions against Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson and TNT’s Glenn Khobutin, denying the Elasto Painters’ appeal on Monday regarding Johnson’s one‑game suspension stemming from a heated altercation last Friday. 


    The decision arrives as Rain or Shine prepares for a crucial matchup against the Meralco Bolts, where they’ll be without Johnson, a key contributor in their bid for a third straight win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao had argued that the disciplinary committee should reconsider Johnson’s suspension on the basis that his actions were retaliatory.

     

    It is a response, he contended, to Khobutin’s initial attack during the fracas that erupted six minutes into the fourth quarter. 

     

    Guiao’s appeal highlighted what he saw as an imbalance in how the situation was handled, especially considering that both players were involved.

     

    Despite Guiao’s efforts, the Commissioner’s Office swiftly rejected the appeal within hours.

     

    “We filed [an appeal] this afternoon. It was denied after three hours. Si kume [Willie Marcial] mismo tinanong ko, ‘Kung ikaw sapakin ko, hindi ka gaganti? Gaganti daw sya … sabi ko bakit si Jaylen hindi pwede gumanti?” Guiao said, questioning the consistency in how retaliation was judged.

     

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    Under league sanctions, Khobutin, 34, received a two‑game suspension and a ₱70,000 fine, while the 6‑foot‑9 Johnson was slapped with a one‑game ban and a ₱50,000 fine. 

     

    Both players were summoned to the PBA office on Saturday to present their accounts of the incident to Commissioner Willie Marcial, as part of standard protocol after on‑court altercations.

     

    Marcial described both players as remorseful during their meeting, particularly Khobutin, who reportedly expressed regret over his actions as he detailed his perspective. 

     

    Johnson, meanwhile, had already apologized in postgame interviews and reiterated his apologies in subsequent statements, emphasizing that emotions ran high in the thick of competition.

     

    The ruling not only impacts Rain or Shine’s rotation but also underscores the league’s strict stance on player conduct. With stakes rising as the PBA season unfolds, how teams adapt to disciplinary setbacks like this could prove pivotal in the race toward the playoffs.

     

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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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