Super import’s scoring touch and ability to involve teammates crucial in semifinal series

TNT import Bol Manute Bol will be on top of Meralco’s concerns. —PBA IMAGES

TNT found the perfect blend of local and import contributions in its PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal series against NLEx.

Even so, Tropang 5G veteran Jayson Castro knows the challenge only gets tougher against Meralco.

“For sure, it’ll be hard for us,” said Castro, who recently joined the PBA’s 10,000-point club.

“Hopefully, we get through, but knowing Meralco, they’re a defensive team. So let’s see how far we go.”

Fresh off adding another milestone to his decorated career in Game 1, Castro helped TNT close out NLEx with a 118-112 victory in their do-or-die quarterfinal clash at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Saturday night.

But if there’s one person who truly holds the team’s fate in his hand, it is import Bol Bol, who has learned to strike a balance between scoring the ball and getting his teammates involved.

“I give credit to Bol because he realized we need to play as a team and, at the same time, he has to share the ball,” Castro said.

The shifty guard finished with 14 points, eight assists and four rebounds. But he wasn’t the only one who got going for TNT.

“The locals also stepped up, which I think was big in supporting Bol,” he said.

Roger Pogoy, who returned to the starting unit for the first time in the import-laden conference in the decider, once again proved his worth with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Calvin Oftana, TNT’s most consistent local throughout the eliminations, also delivered with 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

The collective effort from the locals helped lighten the load for their NBA-caliber import, who still wound up with 35 points and 13 rebounds.

For Castro, those contributions—along with that Game 1 win where Bol also got a lot of local support—prove one thing.

“I think we’re getting the team chemistry at the perfect time in these last few games,” he said. “In the eliminations, we may have lost a lot, but our game is coming together here in the playoffs.”

That kind of chemistry and local contribution will be crucial against Meralco during their semifinal duel that kicks off on Wednesday.

Bol’s ability to score is beyond question, but his ability to get his teammates involved will matter a lot against a team known for its ability to zero in on defensive targets.

“The attention is almost always on Bol, so he’s been involving us in the offense. He can score anytime, but he’s sacrificed a lot to find us and make us threats as well.”

TNT opens its semifinal duel with sister team Meralco on Wednesday, in Game 1 at the same venue. INQ