A GLIMPSE of how their last-minute replacements work out for NLEX and NorthPort would be known Thursday when they kick off their campaign in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Both the Road Warriors and Batang Pier want to improve on their respective performances in the last Governors Cup, but have their work clearly cut out.
Main concern for the protagonists is how their respective imports perform in their league debut.
After long-time NBA player Ed Davis begged off due to a personal family matter NLEX opted to bring in Mike Watkins. The well-travelled former Penn State product arrived in the country only last Saturday.
NorthPort also had to do some scrambling before settling for another G-League campaigner in Kadeem Jack after original choice Kavell Bigby Williams decided to try his luck in the Chinese league.
Sponsored content:
"Mga locals sanay na sa isa't isa, but once you bring in an import who's been here for only a few days, parang nagkakapaan ulit," said NLEX coach Jong Uichico in laying out the biggest worry for not only his side but NorthPort's as well.
"We are still feeling him (Watkins) out... we'll see how he performs," added Uichico. "Tingnan natin. Maraming na ring pinaglaruan ito."
Having an import that quickly adjusts to his team, teammates and the PBA style of play is one of the factors Uichico pinpointed as key for his crew doing better than its eighth-place finish in the season-opening conference.
The multi-titled tactician had admittedly hoped for more practice time with Watkins, but wasn't accorded that. "Sometimes kapag nag-uumpisa ka ng conference you want more time to prepare, more time to gell," he pointed out.
"Unfortunately, we don't have that luxury."
Sponsored content:
There's some good news for NLEX as Kevin Alas, sidelined by an ACL injury for more than a year, is fit enough to see action although he is expected to be on minutes restriction
Except for the injured JM Calma, the suspended John Amores and the dealt-away Brent Paraiso, NorthPort would be fielding practically the same lineup that wound up 10th in the Governors Cup.
Uichico is not one to consider the Batang Pier as easy picking. "Mabigat pa rin ang NorthPort," he stressed.
"Basta lalaban din kami. We will try to be as competitive as the other teams," added Uichico. "The only thing you can do naman is just try to do the best you can and hopefully you come out with a good performance." (NC)
