Marqus Blakely is joining TNT KaTropa as their new import as the team looks to turn things around in the PBA Governors' Cup.
ESPN5's Carlo Pamintuan was first to break the news on social media.
TNT, which is currently struggling with a 2-4 win-loss card, brought in Blakely as their third import after Mike Glover and Stacy Davis.
The 29-year-old Blakely, who last played for the Star Hotshots (now Magnolia) in 2016, participated in the KaTropa's practice for the first time on Tuesday.
Look who's back! @MBlakely2211 pic.twitter.com/YsRYincMv1
— Lyn Olavario (@frauey) September 11, 2018
"Nothing is different, only my jersey is different. I'm in the same mental state, same way I approach the game. As a professional and a hard worker, I think of ways how I'm gonna help my team and my teammates," Blakely told reporters after practice.
"We're in a situation right now where we can turn things around and make a good run, put a couple of games together. We have the talent to do it."
TNT team manager Virgil Villavicencio said they brought in Blakely because they believe he can help the team get back on track.
"What does a team look for? One person who can lead and play with energy, and one who can play multiple positions. The important thing is the energy. At the moment, that's what the team lacks," he said.
Blakely, who has PBA career averages of 22.6 points and 14.9 rebounds, won two championships with San Mig Coffee in the 2013 and 2014 Governors' Cups. He is also a former Best Import awardee.
Blakely will first see action with TNT in their game against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on September 22 in Passi City in Iloilo.
Information from ESPN5's Lyn Olavario and Carlo Pamintuan was used in this report.