NLEX has invited free agent Marion Magat to try out with the team as the Road Warriors try to strengthen their frontcourt rotation for the coming PBA 44th season.
Magat is expected to show up in the Road Warriors’ practice on Monday and see how he fits in the team’s system as possible back-up to prized acquisition Poy Erram.
Magat, 29, was released by Alaska after three uneventful seasons with the Aces. Aside from the 6-foot-7 former National University center, also not renewed by Alaska were Ronald Pascual and Karl Dehesa, acquired by the team from Phoenix as part of the Calvin Abueva trade.
While the Road Warriors finally got a prime big man at the post in the 6-foot-8 Erram, they also gave up two other bigs in Michael Miranda and Dave Marcelo to acquire the services of the Team Pilipinas stalwart.
The exit of Miranda and Marcelo left NLEX with only veteran Asi Taulava, Raul Soyud, and Papot Paredes as back-ups to Erram.
Magat will be trying out for the final slots at NLEX along with veteran guard Emman Monfort and third-year big man Alfonso Gotladera.
A second round pick by Alaska in the 2015 draft (18th overall), Magat was hardly utilized in his three-year stint with the franchise.
Last season, he played in only 20 games and averaged 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10 minutes of play, although he did score a career-high 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including two from three-point range, and had six rebounds and two assists in a 99-95 win over Rain or Shine during the Philippine Cup.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph