NLEX has begun its search for a new import after the gruesome injury to DeQuan Jones on Tuesday that will keep him out for the rest of the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup.
The search for the import has to be done quickly with NLEX slated to play on Friday against Converge, their final game before the league takes a break to give way to Gilas Pilipinas’ participation.
“You never expect your import to go down. I’ll get our staff together with management and try to figure out what we can do kasi ‘yung next game is Friday so medyo bitin ‘yung time,” NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag said.
READ: Dequan Jones has suffered a 'Paul George-type injury,' say NLEX
NLEX has until Thursday noon, or on the eve of its game against Converge to submit the name of their import to the league, or play all-Filipino on Friday against the FiberXers.
“But we will do the best we can. But again, right now, all of our thoughts and prayers are with DJ. Big time loss for our team but we will try to find somebody who can fill that void,” Alapag said.
Jones underwent successful surgery to repair the ankle dislocation he suffered during NLEX’s game against TNT at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.
The NLEX import is also scheduled to go under the knife for the fractured fibula that he also suffered at the same time that he broke his ankle.
Jones ended his conference after leading the team with averages of 24.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in eight games with the Road Warriors.
Alapag said Jones’ impact goes beyond the four sides of the basketball court.
“My deepest prayers go out to DJ. More than the basketball player, it’s the person. The team had lunch yesterday and his value to this team goes far beyond what he does on the basketball court. It’s the person, it’s the leadership, it’s the character. It’s heartbreaking to see him go down,” Alapag said.
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