Pressed for time, TNT was unable to secure its two targets to replace Bol Bol in time for Sunday’s PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Game 3.
As a result, the Tropang 5G have listed Malick Diouf as their import in the meantime.
TNT submitted the switch prior to Saturday’s 12 p.m. deadline.
Initially, Jojo Lastimosa had been in contact with the agents of Darius Day and Marquese Chriss immediately after Bol Bol sustained an Achilles tear in Game 2 of the semifinals against Meralco on Friday.
However, neither player was able to fly in on short notice within the two-day window.
Diouf, who stands at 6-foot-11, was the UAAP Season 84 Finals MVP and Season 85 regular season MVP during his stint with the University of the Philippines. He is also a two-time UAAP Mythical/Elite Team member.
It was just last May 18 when Diouf was granted full Filipino citizenship after Republic Act No. 12318 lapsed into law.
As a result, he will no longer need clearance from the Senegalese federation to play in the PBA.
Diouf was designated by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to play in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour circuit.
He last suited up for Mandaluyong in the 2025 FIBA 3×3 Manila Challenger.
