Early preparation and major acquisitions pay off for impressive NLEX

GETTING eliminated early the previous conference is sometimes a blessing in disguise for teams in the PBA.

After finishing with the worst record in the first two conferences, the NLEX Road Warriors made a good first impression on opening day of the Governors’ Cup after they defeated the Alaska Aces.

“The feeling is great. I felt we only need to win once and we will be able to tie our record last conference,” said Yeng Guiao, general manager and head coach of the Road Warriors, in jest.

Turning serious, Mr. Guiao believes the good start was a product of the investment they had before the end of the second conference.

“We’re really prepared to compete this conference. We made a lot of major decisions towards the end of the last conference. We practiced I think the earliest among the teams and we brought an import the earliest. We’re just glad it’s paying off. It’s a validation of our preparation, of our hard work. But there’s nothing to celebrate at this point, the conference has just started,” added Mr. Guiao.

Mr. Guiao’s team has put together three straight wins bridging the Commissioner’s Cup and the start of the seasonending Governors’ Cup, but their success can only be gauged by the end of the elimination round. The Road Warriors have 10 games left to prove it.

“The real measure I guess is after the 11 games we played, where we are at that point. It’s really too early, but it’s a good sign. We will cling on to any positive development that will encourage us even more, that will motivate us even more from our two last placed finishes in the past conferences. It’s a fresh for as we will try to build our momentum,” he added.

“Actually, we built this momentum even from the last conference because we won two games before we ended our campaign. The feeling was positive, the chemistry was good. I was really excited to practice early. I didn’t give them a break. I was encouraged by the changes that happened in the team. But again, it’s different when you feel and you apply it to become a reality — at least for one game,we were able to do it. Let’s see how far this will take us.”

The new acquisitions, according to Mr. Guiao, were big factors in the changes that happened, including the import Aaron Fuller and veteran Larry Fonacier.

“We’re happy with the way he played. He doesn’t complain, he doesn’t talk. He’s just playing hard, he’s rebounding the ball and he’s getting his shots and he’s blocking shots,” said Mr. Guiao on Mr. Fuller, who finished with 30 points and 20 boards in his debut game.

Sooner or later, Mr. Guiao anticipates teams would be able to scout Mr. Fuller and he wants the locals, particularly Mr. Fonacier, to be ready.

“When the double team comes, we should be ready. We have to make some shots coming off a rotation, coming out of the double team. That’s why Larry (Fonacier) is important, also. Once we have an inside threat, we will be able to free up our shooters,” added Mr. Guiao. —