IT should now be full steam ahead for both NLEX and Phoenix Super LPG as they should be done with the transition period after their most recent coaching change.
Long months have passed since the entry of Frankie Lim at NLEX and Jamike Jarin at Phoenix, and both teams should have settled down with all the changes and adjustments implemented by the coaches.
And they’re expected to come out strong and go hard as they take on each other to start their campaigns in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
They clash in the 8 p.m. mainer, both looking for a triumphant start in their similar bids for a breakthrough run.
Last season, the two teams had similar fates of making the playoffs in two conferences and taking early exit in the other one. In their playoff appearances, the Road Warriors and the Fuel Masters both failed to make it past the quarterfinals.
But both are hopeful they have built camaraderie, rapport and familiarity that could help them for a better run – if not a shot at glory — this season.
To help the Road Warriors in this goal are import Thomas Earl Robinson from Kansas and first-round draft selection Richie Rodger from University of the East.
For the Fuel Masters, helping them in their bid are reinforcement Jonathan Williams from Gonzaga and draft selection Matthew Daves from Ateneo.
Both Robinson and Williams are highly touted players, with the latter having a rich NBA experience with stints with the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Portland Trailblazers and Los Angeles Lakers.
Williams himself is a legit ex-NBA player, having pounded the floor with the Lakers and the Washington Wizards.
Robinson, who has also played in FIBA play as naturalized player of Lebanon, is listed at 6-10 while Williams, a US baller in the 2011 FIBA Americas U16 and 2012 FIBA U17 World Cup, is at 6-7 3/8.
It’s a stern test for Williams taking on the 32-year-old five-year NBA veteran Robinson.
The local matchups are as interesting.
Eyes should be on Rodger, whom the NLEX coaching staff picked in the recent draft ahead of guys like Daves and Schonny Winston of La Salle.
Lim believes Rodger could turn out the steal of the draft as he’s impressed with the court smart, leadership and other traits of the Filipino-Kiwi baller.
“It’s his leadership inside the court. He distributes the ball well. He really looks at his teammates. He takes the shot when he’s wide open, and he makes it,” said Lim, looking to play Rodger at one and two positions.
The Fuel Masters should be a test for Rodger.(LVBET)
