“It’s like bringing a machine gun to a knife fight”: Yeng Guiao on TNT’s signing of Bol Bol

The spotlight followed Bol Bol the moment he touched down in the Philippines, signaling more than the arrival of a new import — it marked the entry of one of the tallest and most intriguing talents ever to suit up in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Bol’s presence instantly reshapes the PBA import landscape. Listed at the same height as former reinforcement PJ Ramos, who played under Manny Pacquiao during his brief coaching stint with Kia Sorento in 2014, Bol arrives with significantly greater global recognition and a far more modern skill set for a player of his size.

At 26, Bol brings with him six seasons of NBA experience. His professional journey began in 2019 when he was selected No. 44 overall by the Miami Heat before launching his career with the Denver Nuggets. He later displayed flashes of his versatility with the Orlando Magic, and most recently suited up for the Phoenix Suns.

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Now set to reinforce TNT Tropang Giga, Bol’s signing has already stirred debate across the league.

Among the most vocal critics is Yeng Guiao, head coach of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who did not mince words in describing the acquisition as “unfair.”

BOL BOL IS HERE!

LOOK: Former NBA player Bol Bol has arrived in the Philippines to join TNT Tropang 5G as an import in the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup next month. | 📷: TNT Tropang 5G/Facebook pic.twitter.com/zd3COveKqF

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) February 19, 2026

“He will practically own the paint offensively and defensively. It’s like bringing a machine gun to a knife fight. It’s unfair,” Guiao said.

“Just the sheer height and length advantage he brings to the court is unmatched by any import this conference. He also has legitimate guard skills and his NBA credentials are also unquestioned,” he added.

While Bol’s NBA averages — 6.5 points and 3.5 rebounds across six seasons — may not fully capture his physical gifts, numbers rarely tell the complete story. His combination of extraordinary length, fluid mobility, and perimeter skill has long made him one of the NBA’s most fascinating long-term projects.

His most productive stretch came during the 2022–23 campaign, when he averaged 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in expanded minutes, offering a glimpse of the impact he can provide when entrusted with a larger role. In a league like the PBA, where dominant imports often tilt the balance of power, those tools could translate into immediate influence.

Basketball pedigree further enhances the intrigue. Bol is the son of late NBA icon Manute Bol, whose 7-foot-6 frame made him one of the tallest players in league history. Like his father, Bol brings elite rim protection and an intimidating defensive presence. Unlike him, however, the younger Bol possesses guard-like handles and legitimate shooting range — skills he honed during his collegiate stint with the Oregon Ducks men’s basketball.

For TNT, this is more than a headline-grabbing acquisition — it is a calculated gamble on upside. In the PBA, where elite imports often dictate championship trajectories, the Tropang Giga are betting that Bol’s rare blend of size, skill, and NBA pedigree will create matchup nightmares and potentially reshape the conference landscape.

Whether he ultimately dominates as Guiao predicts or simply adds another compelling chapter to his unpredictable career, one thing is certain: Bol Bol’s arrival has instantly become one of the most talked-about storylines of the PBA season.

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