MERALCO may have lost a prolific scorer in Shabazz Muhammad, but gained in return a terrific rebounder in Tony Bishop.
It's how coach Norman Black treated the recent dilemma the Bolts faced following the failure of the 29-year-old Muhammad to come over and reinforce the team in the coming PBA Governors Cup.
Muhammad, a former UCLA standout and five-year NBA veteran, was poised to depart for Manila last week after finally receiving his visa from the Philippine consulate in Los Angeles, only to make a last-minute decision not to push through with the plan owing to 'personal concerns.'
The development had Meralco management suddenly scanning a prospective replacement, eventually finding Bishop, an American-Panamanian who's a veteran in playing overseas, available and willing to play in the league even on short notice.
It turned out Bishop was already under the Bolts' radar even before coming to terms with Muhammad, but was still playing in Puerto Rico during that time.
Sponsored content:
"He's one of the guys we're looking up before we signed Shabazz Muhammad," related Black in the daily sports program The Game.
"Luckily for us, Tony had just finished his stint in Puerto Rico about a week ago, and he was willing to come over and play for us."
While Bishop and Muhammad plays different positions, Black believes the 32-year-old Bishop could compliment more what the Bolts are lacking in the import-laden tournament.
"Tony Bishop is not Shabazz Muhammad. Shabazz is more of a wingman, a guy who could score a lot of points," said Black of the Bolts' original choice.
"Tony Bishop is more of a guy who can play the 5, 4, or 3 position depending on what type of team he is playing on. He gets a lot of rebound and can guard the big man positions. So he kind of fills what we need a little more than what maybe Shabazz would have because he can play the inside game."
Sponsored content:
The Bolts have been a consistent contender in the Governors Cup, where they finished runner-up to Barangay Ginebra three times in the last four staging of the conference. (RG)
