MANILA, Philippines – Joshua Smith’s hefty frame should have been an advantage for the TNT KaTropa in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, but head coach Nash Racela said it is starting to become a “weakness.”

But make no mistake, Racela is not referring to how the hulking import – arguably the biggest among the reinforcements in the mid-season conference – should slim down. He is concerned about the lack of calls Smith gets. 

“As a team, we would want to take advantage of that size, use that to our advantage like how San Miguel with June Mar (Fajardo) in an All-Filipino tournament. When you have a big guy like that, you use that to your advantage,” said Racela.

“I think at this point, it’s becoming – the way I see it – it’s becoming a weakness because he’s not getting the fouls, the calls he should be getting.”

Things turned ugly in TNT’s 91-85 triumph over the Meralco Bolts on Friday, June 22, after Smith suffered an apparent broken nose following an accidental hit from import Arinze Onuaku midway through the 3rd quarter. 

Although Smith, who chipped in 6 points, 7 rebounds and two assists in the win, had a premature exit as he headed into the hospital to get his nose checked, he still did not draw a foul from Onuaku. 

“If the referees are waiting for a lost possession, they won’t get it because Josh is really too strong. If they hold on to his arm, even if he takes a shot, they should call a foul as simple as that,” Racela said.

With the KaTropa heading into the quarterfinals, Racela hopes Smith finally gets the call he deserves. 

“I’m sure as we play more games and now that we bring it to their attention, they will be able to make their adjustments.”

TNT, which is currently tied with Meralco at 3rd and 4th place with identical 7-3 cards, aims to bolster its bid for a twice-to-beat advantage when it faces the Magnolia Hotshots on July 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena. – Rappler.com