PBA introduces 8 new imports for the new season
Photo from pbaconnect/Instagram
As a basketball-loving nation, the Philippines celebrated when Gilas Pilipinas secured the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games after 61 years. In another realm of Philippine basketball, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) welcomed eight imports with extensive national team experience from various countries.
Implementing new rules that align the league more closely with international standards, PBA introduced the lineup of imports for the 48th season of the commissioner’s cup, promising an intense competition among teams.
- Chris Ortiz (Blackwater) – from Puerto Rico
- Tom Vodanovich (Converge) – from New Zealand
- Tony Bishop (Barangay Ginebra) – from Panama
- Jonathan Williams (Phoenix) – from USA U17 team
- Suleiman Braimoh (Meralco) – from Nigeria
- Ivan Aska (San Miguel Beer) – from US Virgin Islands
- Thomas De Thaey (Terrafirma) – from Belgium U16, U18, U20
- Quincy Miller (TNT) – from USA U18 team
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In a significant shift from previous seasons, the PBA has introduced a height limit for imports in the season-opening, capping it at 6’9. Notably, a number of imports, including Bishop and Vodanovich, measure less than 6’6 and Miller, who stands 6’8 and ¾ is the tallest.
Changes on import dynamics
Import dynamics have seen some recent changes, with players securing releases, arrivals, and activations happening just in time for the season.
Miller, who recently secured his release from Converge, has found a new home with TNT, filling in for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who is recovering from severe gastritis. Meanwhile, Ivan Aska arrived from Miami to join San Miguel Beer and replace Tyler Stone, had to leave for a family emergency in the US.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Rain or Shine’s DaJuan Summers and Magnolia’s Tyler Bey, along with Jonathan Williams and Thomas Robinson, bring their NBA experience to the league, further elevating the competition.
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The PBA is all set to witness a display of basketball prowess from this batch of imports. As the PBA’s 48th season kicks off with these international imports, fans can look forward to a season that’s more globally connected than ever.
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