NLEX lost the services of one back-up big man in Yousef Taha who didn’t renew his contract with the franchise going to Season 49 of the PBA.
The veteran center hasn’t returned to the country since the offseason and had been a no-show in training camp and all of the Road Warriors’ practices leading to the season.
A team insider said Taha had an initial talk with coach Jong Uichico when he took over the reins of the Road Warriors.
Fiery NLEX debut sends Blackwater reeling to second straight loss
The same source however, wasn’t privy on whether a contract offer was given to the 6-foot-8 Taha, who would be an unrestricted free agent if an offer wasn’t made.
The 36-year-old former Mapua stalwart was acquired by NLEX as part of three-team trade centering on former No. 1 overall pick Brandon Ganuleas-Rosser.
Taha was the 11th overall pick in the 2012 draft by Air21.
He has since bounced around the league playing for Barangay Ginebra, Northport, Magnolia, Petron, TNT, Alaska, and Blackwater, distinguishing himself as a reliable back-up at the post.
With Taha out, the Road Warriors are left with just Mike Miranda and Dave Marcelo as their bigs, along with rookie Jonnel Policarpio.
NLEX won its first game in the season-opening Governors’ Cup with a 104-87 blowout of Blackwater Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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