NLEX Road Warriors ready to defend D-League crown

MANILA, Philippines - NLEX Road Warriors are all focused in their common goal of defending their crown in the PBA Developmental League.

Team manager Ronald Dulatre said the management is leaving no stone unturned in their title defense of the ongoing D-League Aspirants Cup.

“We always see to it that the team is healthy and in one direction – that is to achieve our main goal which is to win back-to-back championships,” said Dulatre.

“And we really make sure they feel the full support of management that’s why they are treated very well and fairly. No one gets star treatment. It’s all for one and one for all.”

The Road Warriors swept Cebuana Gems in the best-of-three championship series in the inaugural conference of the tournament last June.

Head coach Boyet Fernandez admitted that while the team got a couple of reinforcements, the other teams also beefed up their respective rosters and their concern now is how to develop NLEX into one cohesive unit.

“Our team is very solid, it’s how we play that worries me,” said Fernandez, a one-time champion coach in the PBA with Sta. Lucia Realty.   

“Hindi pa kasi kami nakakapag-praktis ng buo due to the fact that my players still have commitment with the schools. Then SEA Games will be on second week of November and seven players of mine are playing with national team.”

Garvo Lanete and Dave Marcelo of San Beda and San Sebastian’s Ronald Pascual, Ian Sangalang and Calvin Abueva have yet to join the team in practice as their schools are battling for the crown in the NCAA.