A preview of how the last-minute replacements will perform for NLEX and NorthPort will be revealed on Thursday as they commence their campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Both the Road Warriors and the Batang Pier are keen on improving their performances following the previous Governors Cup, yet they face substantial challenges.
The primary concern for both teams is the effectiveness of their respective imports during their league debuts.
Following the withdrawal of long-time NBA player Ed Davis due to personal family matters, NLEX has opted to bring in Mike Watkins. The well-traveled former Penn State product only arrived in the country last Saturday.
Similarly, NorthPort faced difficulties before selecting another G-League player, Kadeem Jack, after their initial choice, Kavell Bigby Williams, decided to pursue opportunities in the Chinese league.
“While the local players are accustomed to each other, introducing an import who has only been in the team for a few days creates a sense of adjustment,” remarked NLEX coach Jong Uichico, elaborating on the primary concern not only for his team but also for NorthPort.
“We are still evaluating his (Watkins) capabilities… we will see how he performs,” Uichico added. “Let us observe. He has considerable experience.”
The ability of an import to swiftly adapt to the team, the teammates, and the PBA style of play is a crucial factor identified by Uichico for enhancing his team’s performance beyond their eighth-place finish in the season-opening conference.
The experienced coach had hoped for more practice time with Watkins; however, that opportunity was not available. “At the onset of a conference, one desires more preparation time, more time to bond,” he noted.
“Regrettably, we do not possess that luxury.”
There is some positive news for NLEX as Kevin Alas, who has been sidelined for over a year due to an ACL injury, is now fit to participate, although he is expected to be under minutes restriction.
Aside from the injured JM Calma, the suspended John Amores, and the traded Brent Paraiso, NorthPort will be fielding nearly the same lineup that finished 10th in the Governors Cup.
Uichico does not perceive the Batang Pier as an easy opponent. “NorthPort remains a formidable team,” he asserted.
“We will also strive to be competitive against the other teams,” Uichico concluded. “The only course of action is to endeavor to perform to the best of our abilities, and hopefully, we will achieve a commendable performance.”