Ex-San Beda star Donald Tankua set to play as temporary import for Phoenix

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Former San Beda Red Lions superstar big man Donald Tankua will be taking his talents to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after the Phoenix Super LPG acquired him as a temporary import.

With Paul Harris still sidelined due to an injury, the Phoenix management has decided to tap the services of the six-foot-six star to help their campaign once the PBA Governor’s Cup resumes this February 11.

This will be Tankua’s first-ever PBA stint and has already participated in the Phoenix practices including a tune-up game against the NLEX Road Warriors.

Despite the loss, Tankua had the chance to pick up and grasp what it feels to be within the system of head coach Topex Robinson, the team’s current coach.

Tankua is no stranger to big games and big situations having three championship titles brought to San Beda over his illustrious career in the NCAA.

Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that Tankua is eligible to suit up as a temporary import for the PBA given that he fit the height limit.

“Oo pinapayagan naman yan. Imports naman sila, e. Tsaka kung pasok naman sa height limit, bakit hindi,” said Marcial.

Tankua will fill in the shoes of Harris who is yet to recover from the injury that prevented him from playing the next set of games after Christmas day.