TNT KaTropa is bringing back big-bodied Joshua Smith as import in time for the resumption of the team's PBA Commissioner's Cup campaign after the league's All-Star break.
Team manager Virgil Villacencio said Smith will arrive on May 25 after the KaTropa played with an all-Filipino roster in Friday's 120-101 victory over the Blackwater Elite at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Smith, who replaces former NBA player Jeremy Tyler, was coming off a stint in Japan where he helped Kyoto Hannaryz reach the playoffs. He is expected to make his debut on June 1 when TNT faces Columbian Dyip at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The KaTropa are banking on the 6-foot-10 Smith to replicate or exceed the contributions he provided last year when they made the Commissioner's Cup Finals.
Listed at 330-lb, Smith was a major presence despite dealing with an ankle injury in TNT's six-game loss to San Miguel in the title series.
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The KaTropa sent home Tyler after Sunday's 110-100 loss to the Alaska Aces at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
TNT, however, was left with no choice but to field an all-local crew against Blackwater after futile attempts to find a temporary import.(JT)
