ON THE RIGHT ROAD
Coach Jong Uichico believes his NLEX’s title victory in the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament in Davao City is a good way to start off preparations for the PBA’s 50th season.
“We are getting better as a team,” Uichico said in a short response to the Inquirer on a question he said his lead assistant, Adonis Tierra, would be in a better position to answer.
Tierra called the shots for the Road Warriors in the final two days after Uichico left midway in the tournament to facilitate a Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Coaches Clinic in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
The Road Warriors defeated the Converge FiberXers to secure a trip to the championship game before taking down the Blackwater Bossing, who were unbeaten in their previous three matches, 101-84.
Tony Semerad claimed Finals Most Valuable Player honors with 16 points and 12 rebounds while Xyrus Torres and Robert Bolick were also instrumental in the victory.
Upset the last time
NLEX is aiming to build on its impressive elimination-round campaign in last season’s Philippine Cup when it claimed the No. 2 seed in the playoffs with an 8-3 record behind Bolick’s scoring abilities and ball-distribution.
But the Road Warriors saw their dream run cut short in the quarterfinals by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who advanced to the semifinals after overhauling NLEX’s twice-to-beat advantage.
The Kadayawan tournament became a chance for the Road Warriors to provide equal minutes for players who could potentially play a prominent role in the rotation come the new season.
Most of the minutes were given to Bolick, Torres, Javee Mocon, Semerad and Richie Rodger, plus Jonnel Policarpio, JB Bahio and Brandon Ramirez, who are all entering their sophomore campaigns.
The preseason nature of the tournament didn’t prevent Bolick from being the Bolick that he’s known for in the big league.
Bolick had 22 points, three rebounds and two steals in the tournament opener when NLEX downed Converge, 95-88.
He later went off for 27 points on top of four assists and two steals against the FiberXers in a 100-96 victory that set up the title showdown with the Bossing.
NLEX’s lone defeat was against Blackwater, 95-90.
