Meralco replaces Jones with Gardner; TNT brings in McCullough for Game 4

The Bolts’ decision to move on from Jones came as a surprise, given his strong elimination round averages of 21.94 points and 11.24 rebounds, which helped power Meralco to a top-four finish.

However, Jones struggled in the series against TNT, finishing with 22 points on 24 shots in Game 1, then 16 points on 18 attempts in Game 2.

Against an import-less TNT squad last Sunday, he posted 22 points on 17 shots and 15 rebounds in a narrow 75-77 loss.

That performance ultimately prompted Meralco’s decision to make a change.

In Gardner, the Bolts are getting a 6-foot-11 big man with extensive international experience despite being only 26 years old.

A mainstay of the Egyptian national team, Gardner has played for Long Island and Osceola in the NBA G League, Al Ahly in Egypt, Petro de Luanda in Angola, and, most recently, Fukushima in Japan.

Last season, he averaged 17.6 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Firebonds.

Meanwhile, McCullough is no stranger to the Philippines, having led San Miguel to the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup title.

Since then, he has suited up for Anyang in Korea, Gigantes de Carolina in Puerto Rico, and multiple teams in Taiwan, including New Taipei, Formosa, and Taoyuan Taiwan Beer.

Last year, he averaged 15.9 points and 10.6 rebounds for the Leopards.

McCullough replaces Malick Diouf in the TNT lineup after Diouf was unable to suit up last Sunday. He was originally expected to serve as a temporary replacement for Bol Bol, but his paperwork did not arrive in time for Game 3.