PBA Import Highlights: TNT will have a new import!

 

The TNT Tropang Giga find themselves in a complex holding pattern. With the resumption of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup rapidly approaching, the franchise is officially deploying Nick Hornsby as their temporary reinforcement.

The sudden roster shuffle comes in the wake of a family tragedy. Both Rondae and Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson recently returned to the United States following the passing of their grandmother, whose burial is scheduled for October 2. "Grieving both of them in the U.S. We need an import ASAP and not one of them can be here," explained TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa.

This leaves the Tropang Giga waiting on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s timeline. The reigning Best Import is still rehabbing the Achilles injury he suffered while playing for Meralco in the EASL last year. Fortunately, RHJ is already priming for his comeback, having recently tested his legs in a tune-up game against Jordan. Lastimosa noted that the team is hopeful Rondae will be fully ready for deployment by the time the quarterfinals roll around.

Enter Nick Hornsby

To bridge the gap, TNT tapped Nick Hornsby, fresh off a stint with Hangtuah Jakarta in the Indonesia Basketball League. While Hornsby is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Thursday night, fans will have to wait to see him in action, as he will not be suiting up for TNT’s PBA on Tour exhibition game against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters this Saturday in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

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When Hornsby does finally step onto the PBA hardwood, fans should expect a highly unique import archetype.

A Playmaking Import with Spacing Concerns

A deep dive into Hornsby's recent numbers across international leagues in the 2025-2026 season paints a fascinating picture. He is averaging a highly efficient 15.6 points (shooting 50% from the field), 8.0 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

What stands out immediately is the 6.1 assists. Hornsby's absolute number one offering is his elite ability to create shots and facilitate the offense. He operates beautifully as a connective playmaker who can secure a rebound, push the pace, and instantly find open teammates. He scores efficiently inside and attacks the glass well.

However, the major concern surrounding his game is his outside shooting. The numbers indicate that Hornsby will not help TNT much when it comes to spacing the floor. In a league where imports are often heavily relied upon to stretch defenses with high-volume three-pointers, Hornsby's lack of perimeter gravity could become a glaring issue. Opposing PBA defenses are notorious for sagging off non-shooters to clog the paint and shut down driving lanes.

A Quick Tour or a Unique Success?

This creates a highly polarizing dynamic for Coach Chot Reyes and the Tropang Giga. If Hornsby’s elite passing and shot-creation abilities can successfully unlock TNT's local shooters and keep the offense humming, he could prove to be a uniquely successful, system-elevating import.

But if opposing teams completely disrespect his outside shot and pack the paint to dare him to shoot, TNT’s offense could severely bog down. Given that Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is actively waiting in the wings for a quarterfinal return, Hornsby’s margin for error is razor-thin. If his bad outside shooting disrupts the Tropang Giga's offensive rhythm, this could end up being a very quick tour of duty in the Philippines.

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