Bol Bol was on pace for a historic finish before disaster struck in Game 2

Former Phoenix Suns Bol Bol collapsed after an awkward non-contact step during a PBA semifinal game on May 22. The TNT Tropang 5G import grabbed his lower left leg in visible pain.

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Teammates carried the 7-foot-3 center off the floor at the 2:37 mark of the first quarter. He was rushed to a hospital for an MRI on his left foot.

The injury occurred during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against the Meralco Bolts. Bol had scored 10 points and six rebounds before exiting.

Bol Bol suffered a partial torn Achilles after an awkward step driving to the basket

Hoping for a speedy recovery 💔

(via @jonasterradoINQ, @HomerSayson) pic.twitter.com/NOlVuczZcx

— Overtime (@overtime) May 22, 2026

TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa confirmed the diagnosis after the game. “I think it’s a partial tear, not a total tear, but nonetheless it’s an Achilles problem,” Lastimosa said.

Bol is ruled out for the rest of the conference after the Game 2 defeat. The TNT camp used a portable ultrasound to assess the injury at the arena.

This injury ends Bol’s dominant run in the Philippine Basketball Association this season. Through 15 games, he averaged 37.6 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks.

He was the frontrunner for the conference’s Best Import award before the injury. Bol had just powered TNT past the top-seeded NLEX Road Warriors.

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Bol Bol’s injury disrupts TNT title pursuit

TNT head coach Chot Reyes acknowledged the impact on the team’s championship chances. “It will greatly affect our chances,” Reyes said of losing Bol for the remainder of the postseason.

The Tropang 5G lost Game 2 to Meralco 87-76, evening the semifinal series at 1-1. Meralco capitalized on Bol’s absence after he exited in the opening frame.

TNT also missed veteran point guard Jayson Castro and forward Henry Galinato in Game 2. Castro tweaked his knee while Galinato sat out with a fever.

The team is now pursuing replacement imports including Marquese Chriss and Darius Days. Reyes noted the difficulty of integrating a new player mid-campaign.

Bol used this PBA stint to showcase his unique skill set and rebuild his NBA prospects after the Phoenix Suns. The partial tear now puts those comeback plans on hold.

An Achilles injury poses significant recovery challenges for any player, especially one at 7-foot-3. The partial tear may offer a better recovery timeline than a full rupture.

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