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 12:00 NN 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.
