NLEX launched its PBA Season 50 campaign in style.
The team went on a road trip in a convoy of vehicles that took the Road Warriors from their head office in Balintawak all the way to SM Clark in a special sendoff as they bid in the coming Philippine Cup that kicks off next Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The entire NLEX organization was present despite the stormy weather led by team governor Ronald Dulatre, manager Virgil Villavicencio, and head coach Jong Uichico.
A mass was initially held at the NLEX home base before proceeding to the 80-km road trip via Radial Road 8.
Beat all MVP teams
Company big wigs led by Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. President Gilbert Sta. Maria, NLEX President Luis Renon, and PBA Board Chairman Ricky Vargas all sent out their respective messages through a large video wall, encouraging the Road Warriors to make the playoffs, and hopefully, a first ever finals stint as the franchise enters its 11th season in Asia’s first ever play-for-pay league.
Vargas even urged coach Uichico to have in the team’s goal this season to beat all the MVP Group teams, with special emphasis to TNT, where he is team governor.
“Beat all MVP Group teams especially TNT, if you can. But I’m sure you can,” said Vargas, drawing laughter from the team and the NLEX fans.
“So beat them,” he added. “And then go to the Top 4. Be in the Top 4. You almost did it. I think you can do it, and what a best way to get to that goal on this 50th anniversary of the PBA.”
The last time NLEX made the semis came during the 2021 Governors' Cup.
Dulatre accepted the challenge in behalf of the entire team.
“We are not just participants in the PBA. We are here to compete, to fight, and to win. Every time we step on the court, we carry the pride of our company, our employees, and our fans. We carry the name ‘Road Warriors,’ and that name means courage, determination, and teamwork,” the NLEX governor said in his speech.
“This season, let’s raise our game. Our goal is to reach the playoffs in every conference, fight our way to the semis, and finally break through to that finals appearance. I know it won’t be easy. Every team in this league wants the same thing. But I also know that this team - our team - has the talent, the heart, and the drive to make it happen.”
Robert Bolick, a leading candidate for the Season 49 MVP, is again expected to lead the Road Warriors’ charge and will be supported by the same intact core that finished as the no. 2 seeded team in the last All-Filipino conference.
Back for another tour of duty with the team are Kevin Alas, Xyrus Torres, Brandon Ramirez, Jonnel Policarpio, Javee Mocon, Dominic Fajardo, JB Bahio, Anthony Semerad, Richie Rodger, Baser Amer, Enoch Valdez, Robert Herndon, Matt Nieto, and Dave Marcelo.
Michael Miranda is currently listed in the reserver/injury list while rookie draftees led by Ljay Gonzales won’t be available yet until the end of the year.
It was actually a long day for the Road Warriors, who also attended the PBA Media Day at the Elements of Centris early on.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
