Ex-NBA vet Maxiell, Madanly bolster TNT
Charlotte Hornets forward Jason Maxiell (54) grabs a rebound over the Indiana Pacers’ Luis Scola on Feb. 8, 2015. AP
Hoping to break out of its recent struggles, TNT is going all-out this Governors’ Cup as it brings in former NBA veteran Jason Maxiell as its import.
The 33-year-old big man known during his days with the Detroit Pistons from 2005 to 2013, before seeing action for the Orlando Magic and the Charlotte Hornets in the next two seasons.
Maxiell is coming off a stint China with the Tianjin Ronggang Gold Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association, where he averaged 19.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks this past season.
Also, TNT is eyeing Syrian guard Michael Madanly as its Asian reinforcement.
Madanly, who suited up for NLEX last season, averaged 19.7 points on a 31-percent shooting from threes, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in the PBA before playing in Lebanon for Champville SC.
The Tropa has failed to advance past the quarterfinals phase this season and has yet to make it the semifinals since winning the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup.
With leaders Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Ryan Reyes, as well as star rookie Troy Rosario focused in the Gilas Pilipinas’ buildup for the Fiba Olympic qualifying tournament, the responsibility will fall on veterans Kelly Williams and Larry Fonacier, and top pick Mo Tautuaa to help TNT prepare for the season-ending conference, which is set to start on July 15.
