Even with a 2-1 series deficit, the TNT Katropa are standing firm with 6-foot-10, 330-pound Joshua Smith for Game Four on Wednesday, June 27 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
This was confirmed by first-year TNT mentor Nash Racela, saying that the team’s management and staff decided to let the 12:00nn deadline for import replacement pass, Tuesday afternoon.
“We did not send a notice of change to the PBA office,” the 45-year-old mentor said.
TNT brought over Mike Myers to serve as the team’s insurance in case Smith’s right foot injury worsens. The Manny V. Pangilinan-owned franchise also has Michael Craig on tap. Craig is set to be TNT’s reinforcement for the 2017 Governors Cup.
Smith is currently averaging 16.67 points, 9.67 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in the Finals. However, the 25-year-old shot just 8-for-16 from the field in their last two games.
