TNT is making a bold move to defend its PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown. With original reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson out due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, the Tropang Giga have brought in 7-foot-3 former NBA player Bol Bol.

The American-South Sudanese center arrived in the Philippines on Thursday, three weeks before the tournament kicks off on March 11, and was personally greeted by team manager Jojo Lastimosa.

Bol Bol, a 2019 second-round pick of the Miami Heat, has also played for the Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns. This marks his first professional stint outside the NBA.

Hollis-Jefferson, a three-time Best Import, was a key factor in TNT’s last Commissioner’s Cup victory despite being one of the conference’s smaller imports.

His injury while on loan to the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League has sidelined him for at least a year, paving the way for Bol Bol’s PBA debut.