PBA Teams Go Big with Imports for Commissioner's Cup
In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner's Cup, teams are capitalizing on the absence of height limitations by signing towering imports to bolster their rosters. This trend highlights a shift towards recruiting giant players to gain a competitive edge in the league.
Key Signings Across Teams
Several teams have already secured impressive reinforcements. The Terrafirma Dyip added 7-footer Mubasha Ali, while the Magnolia Chicken Timplados brought in 6'9" Terrell Brown-Soares. The Meralco Bolts selected 6'9" Ismael Romero, and the Blackwater Bossing signed 6'11" Daniel Ochefu. Additionally, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters acquired 6'9" Jaylen Johnson.
Other notable signings include the NLEX Road Warriors picking 6'10" Cady Lalanne and the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters securing 6'10" James Dickey. Among these, Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings' resident import, 6'6" Justine Brownlee, stands as the shortest reinforcement currently in the league.
Arrivals and Ongoing Negotiations
Most of the mentioned imports, except for Ali and Ochefu, have already arrived in the country, indicating teams are gearing up for the tournament. Meanwhile, the TNT Tropang 5G is in negotiations with 7'3" Bol Bol, a former National Basketball Association (NBA) player, which could add another significant height advantage to the mix.
As of now, the Converge FiberXers, Titan Ultra Giant Risers, San Miguel Beermen, and guest team Macau Black Bears are the only squads yet to announce their import selections, leaving room for further surprises in the league.
Tournament Kickoff
The Commissioner's Cup is set to commence on March 11, 2026, promising an exciting season with these new additions. Fans can expect high-stakes games as teams leverage their tall imports to dominate the court.
