TNT dumps Tyler, plays all-Pinoy vs Elite
Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. – Blackwater vs TNT KaTropa 7 p.m. – Meralco vs Magnolia
TNT KaTropa has decided to terminate the services of import Jeremy Tyler and play with an allFilipino crew versus Blackwater in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
TNT team manager Virgil Villavicencio said they let go of Tyler as he failed to meet the expectations of the coaching staff and the whole team.
The Texters will play just one game without a reinforcement as they will have old import Josh Smith back in their next game against Columbian Dyip on June 1 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
Smith, the burly import that led the Texters to the Commissioner’s Cup finals last year versus the San Miguel Beermen, will arrive on May 25.
“Since we’re winning games with our locals, we no longer extended Tyler’s contract even as we have a game to play (tonight),” said Villavincencio.
Tyler had initially been given a guaranteed onemonth contract then a twoweek extension that expired Tuesday. He is set to leave the country tonight.
The Texters go for a share of the lead with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 4-1 as they tangle with the winless Blackwater Elite team (0-5) at 4:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, All-Filipino losing finalist Magnolia plays its last game with Vernon Macklin as the Hotshots collide with the Meralco Bolts at 7 p.m.
Macklin will attend a prior commitment made with a team in China’s National Basketball League.
Former Magnolia resident import Ricardo Ratliffe is out of the shortlist of candidates for replacement to Macklin since the former is tied up with the Korean national team.