PBA: Phoenix taps ex-San Beda center Donald Tankoua as back up import

FILE – Former San Beda player Donald Tankoua. INQUIRER PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Former San Beda center Donald Tankoua could suit up for Phoenix in the resumption of the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup.

Fuel Masters team manager Paolo Bugia said Tankoua serves as the team’s backup import and could make his PBA debut if Paul Harris is still sidelined due to a hamstring injury he suffered on Christmas.

“He’s just a backup for now, just in case our primary import doesn’t come through,” said Bugia in a text message.

Tankoua won three NCAA titles with the Red Lions and was also named the Finals MVP in Season 93 when they beat Lyceum in two games.

The 6-foot-6 center from Cameroon also meets the league’s maximum height requirement for the conference.

Harris, who’s in his fifth stint in the PBA, suffered a hamstring injury in Phoenix’s 102-93 win over NLEX where he saw action in just the first three minutes of the contest.

The 2011 Commissioner’s Cup champion is slowly recovering from the injury prompting the Fuel Masters to tap Tankoua during the break.