Nlex fights on – for DJ

MANILA, Philippines —  When DeQuan “DJ” Jones went down with a horrific injury last Tuesday, NLEX didn’t just lose a dependable import and leader on the court.

The squad lost a brother, a good friend off it.

And with Jones currently taking the long road to recovery from a broken right leg fibula, dislocated ankle and fractured ankle bone sustained in their gritty 118-111 overtime victory over TNT, the Road Warriors have committed to continue the fight in the PBA Governors’ Cup – for him.

After shaking off the initial shock of Jones’ fall and manning the fort for the last 20 minutes of that extended duel with the defending champions, Robert Bolick and the locals (7-1) have to fend for themselves for an entire match today against Converge (4-4).

“I told them when DJ went down, the best thing that we can do to just honor what he means to this team is to come out and fight for the rest of the game,” shared coach Jimmy Alapag.

The homegrowns led by Bolick, whose gutsy four-pointer forced a deadlock in regulation and rookie Ljay Gonzales, whose barrage in extra time spelled the difference, responded.

“Isa siya sa pinaka inaasahan sa team. Nakakalungkot pero kung ibibigay mo talaga ‘yung best mo para sa teammate mo, may magagawa,” said Gonzales.

“Siya ‘yung Justin Brownlee sa team namin,” Bolick said, comparing Jones to the Barangay Ginebra resident import who’s also known for his pleasant personality that matches his basketball and leadership skills. “Bihirang bihira ka makakuha ng ganoong import. Nakakapanghinayang.”

Alapag’s all-Pinoy troops look to hold their ground and strengthen their grip on Group A’s pole position before the league’s 53-day break. The long hiatus should be enough time to find Jones’ replacement.

“We’ll do the best that we can,” said Alapag. “Big time loss for our team, but we’ll try to find somebody who can fill that void.”

They gun for Win No. 8 against a FiberXers team that’s rejuvenated by the arrival of their third import, Cameron Clark.

The NLEX-Converge tiff explodes at 5:15 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum before the crucial Group B tussle between fifth-running Ginebra (2-3) and cellar-dwelling Meralco (2-5) at 7:30 p.m.

The embattled Bolts have activated original import Jordon Varnado, who was sidelined by calf injury, in time for the rivalry showdown with the Riley Grigsby-bannered Gin Kings. Varnado replaced Antonio Hester.