Bol Bol’s TNT PBA debut all set against Rain or Shine

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Former NBA talent turned TNT Tropang 5G import Bol Bol is locked and loaded for his PBA Commissioner’s Cup debut, scheduled for March 20, 2026, against the physical and defensive-minded Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

As soon as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup schedule was released, the whole TNT fan squad immediately went viral with humorous comments ahead of the highly anticipated matchup.

“Makakaya kaya ni Bol Bol ang pagiging physical ng ROS?”

“Baka kawawa yan kay Belga.”

“Wag na lumusot at bumangga sa loob, tumira ka nlg sa labas para iwas injury.”

Those were just a few of the trending comments from some PBA fans. Every team in the league knows how tough it is to match up against the Elasto Painters, known for their grit, defensive communication, and never-say-die attitude.

The team is still anchored by veteran big man Beau Belga, one of the well-known enforcers in the league, supported by the young front-court core of Leonard Santillan, Caelan Tiongson, Kris Porter, Christian Manaytay, and the injured Keith Datu.

Stepping in as Rain or Shine’s official reinforcement is Jaylen Johnson, a 6-foot-9 versatile big man who can score from deep and back down to the basket.

Bol, a 7-foot-3 center, is the second-tallest import in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, next to Macau’s Sam Deguara, who is listed at 7-foot-6.

Everybody in the PBA is already excited about what Bol can bring to the table, given his wealth of NBA experience after being drafted 44th overall in the 2019 Draft.

Bol’s breakout season was in 2022, when he became a Most Improved Player candidate, averaging 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks for the Orlando Magic.

Known for his versatility and ball-handling skills despite his imposing frame, Bol’s addition to the already-talented TNT squad will only present more exciting competition on the playing floor.

After losing in its last two Grand Finals appearances, the Tropang 5G is eager to bounce back and complete the revenge tour by tapping one of the most high-profile reinforcements to ever play in the league’s import-laced conference.

Can Bol dominate the PBA and lead TNT back to the promised land?