Former NBA player Shabazz Muhammad will not be reinforcing Meralco in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

The Bolts will instead bring in Tony Bishop as their import as Muhammad is unable to travel to the Philippines due to a “personal emergency,” the team announced on Sunday, November 21.

“We wish Shabazz the best in dealing with his family matters and we are looking forward to welcoming Tony Bishop as our import for this conference,” said Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo.

Bishop, 32, is a 6-foot-7 forward who played for Richland College and Texas State in college before traveling the world as a pro, having stints in Denmark, Lithuania, Germany, Japan, and Romania.

He also saw action in the NBA G League for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Bishop last suited up for the Mets de Guaynabo in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional in Puerto Rico.

On the national team level, he represents Panama.

Expectations are high for Bishop as the Bolts reached the Governors’ Cup finals thrice over four seasons with Allen Durham as their import.

Meralco failed to secure the services of Durham as he currently plays in the Japan B. League for the Ryukyu Golden Kings. – Rappler.com