PBA brings World Cup flavor

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA is taking a page off the FIBA World Cup storybook in welcoming eight imports with national team experience from different countries and introducing new rules that align the league more closely to international calls as the 48th season got underway at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

The eight imports are Blackwater’s Chris Ortiz (Puerto Rico), Converge’s Tom Vodanovich (New Zealand), Barangay Ginebra’s Tony Bishop (Panama), Phoenix’ Jonathan Williams (USA U17), Meralco’s Suleiman Braimoh (Nigeria), San Miguel Beer’s Ivan Aska (Virgin Islands), Terrafirma’s Thomas De Thaey (Belgium U16, U18, U20) and TNT’s Quincy Miller (USA U18). NLEX’ Thomas Robinson received his Lebanese passport in December 2021 but has yet to play for the Cedars. NorthPort’s Venky Jois is from Australia. Imports with NBA experience are Rain or Shine’s DaJuan Summers, Magnolia’s Tyler Bey, Williams and Robinson.

The height limit for imports in the season-opening Commissioner’s Cup is 6-9 with 6-4 13/16 Jois, 6-5 1/2 Bishop and 6-5 13/16 Vodanovich measuring less than 6-6. When Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee is activated, he’ll be the shortest import at 6-4 5/8. The tallest import is Miller who stands 6-8 3/4. Miller secured his PBA release from Converge last Saturday and TNT lined him up in place of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson who’s recovering from severe gastritis. Aska arrived here from Miami via San Francisco last Friday to replace Tyler Stone as San Miguel’s import. Stone left to be with his wife who was set to give birth in the US last weekend.