After four years, Mac Tallo is officially back in the PBA. FIBA (file photo) |
BATANGAS CITY--Mac Tallo is now set for a return to the professional 5-on-5 ranks as the PBA finally cleared him to play for Converge's season opener against Blackwater on Wednesday night.
The PBA announced on Tuesday that the FiberXers have been allowed to activate Tallo, ending speculations about whether he can play for them outright or he has to serve an old suspension.
Tallo failed an anti-doping test in 2019 while playing for NLEX, which would mean he had to serve a six-month ban.
However, he had since moved to the MPBL, first joining Manila before moving to Bacolod.
Tallo would then join the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 program when coach Aldin Ayo was still the chief trainer, first joining his hometown Cebu Chooks before moving to Manila Chooks.
In between Tallo's 3x3 stint was a brief spell with Bicol, also with Sorsogon City native Ayo as head coach, in the 2021 MPBL Invitational.
Tallo stayed with Manila Chooks even if Ayo left the 3x3 program to join Converge in the PBA, but on Wednesday, they are officially set for a reunion.
Tallo actually joined the FiberXers during a preseason pocket tournament and was later signed to a two-year contract, but the issue of the six-month suspension was suddenly raised.
Following an appeal, the PBA deemed that Tallo had been out of the league for too long that he is now considered to have served his penalty, paving the way for his comeback.
To make room for Tallo, Converge relegated draft pick Kamron Fleming to the unrestricted free agent list.
The Bossing battle the FiberXers at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
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