Alas trade answers NLEX needs says Fernandez

MANILA, Philippines -- NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez said bringing in incoming sophomore guard Kevin Alas addresses the Road Warriors’ need to strengthen their point guard spot in time for the PBA’s 41st season set to start on October.

Alas, the six-foot guard out of Letran, was part of the three-team, five-player deal that was consummated officially on Tuesday after new PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa approved of the transaction.

Under the deal, Mahindra (formerly KIA) traded this year’s no. 2 pick Troy Rosario to Talk ‘N Text in exchange for Kevin Alas and back up big man Rob Reyes.

Mahindra, then shipped Alas to NLEX in exchange for forwards KG Canaleta and Aldrech Ramos.

“Kailangan talaga namin yung point guard na may championship experience na, that’s why we got Kevin to our team because we felt Jonas (Villanueva) will be more effective playing the two-guard spot,” NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez told Philstar.com, shortly after the trade was made official.

But Fernandez also admitted that giving up Canaleta and Ramos, both floor spacers, was a difficult decision he has to make.

The NLEX coach said both forwards played well for them during the first year in the PBA last season.

“Losing KG and Aldrech is huge. How we can fill up those spots will depend on our other forwards like Eric Camson and rookie Glen Khobuntin,” he said.

But Fernandez plans to use Camson more next season, along with Khobuntin the four-spot, hopeful that both young front court players will be up to the challenge as they help man the shaded lane along side Asi Taulava and Enrico Villanueva.

However, the NLEX mentor said should a reliable four-spot still be available, he’s willing to initiate a trade to provide stability at the front court.

“Yes, sa ngayon, talagang naghahanp pa kami ng pang-four spot namin, pero kung wala na talaga, we will maximize Eric Camson and Glen, plus we still have (Jeckster) Apinan and Enrico,” he added.