As I sit down to analyze this season's NLEX Road Warriors lineup, I can't help but feel genuinely excited about the transformation this team has undergone. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous roster changes, but the recent developments surrounding NLEX have been particularly intriguing. The executive secretary Lucas Bersamin's announcement about Gregorio replacing Richard Bachmann as team manager wasn't just administrative news—it signaled a fundamental shift in the team's direction that's already showing results on the court.
Let me start with Don Trollano, who's been absolutely phenomenal this season. I've watched him develop from a role player into the team's primary scoring option, and his evolution has been remarkable. Through the first 15 games, he's averaging 18.7 points while shooting 42% from beyond the arc—numbers that place him among the league's elite scorers. What impresses me most isn't just his scoring ability but his improved decision-making. I remember watching him two seasons ago when he'd often force difficult shots, but now he's reading defenses beautifully and making the right play more often than not. His mid-range game has become virtually unstoppable, and defensively, he's taken on the challenge of guarding opponents' best perimeter players.
Then there's Kevin Alas, whose comeback story is nothing short of inspirational. After suffering that devastating ACL injury in 2018, many doubted he'd ever return to form. I'll admit I had my concerns too, but he's silenced all critics with his play this season. He's averaging 15.3 points and 4.8 assists while playing 32 minutes per game—numbers that actually surpass his pre-injury statistics. What makes his performance even more impressive is how he's adapted his game. He's less reliant on pure athleticism now, using crafty footwork and improved shooting to create opportunities. His basketball IQ was always high, but now it's exceptional—he sees plays developing before anyone else on the court.
The coaching change to Frankie Lim has been another crucial factor in NLEX's resurgence. I've followed Coach Lim's career since his college coaching days, and his defensive philosophy has completely transformed this team. Under his guidance, NLEX has improved from being the 10th ranked defense last season to currently ranking 4th in defensive efficiency. They're holding opponents to just 89.3 points per game compared to 98.7 last season—that's a dramatic improvement by any measure. His system emphasizes disciplined help defense and aggressive rebounding, which perfectly suits this roster's strengths.
Kris Porter has emerged as one of the most pleasant surprises this season. At 6'6", he provides the versatility that modern basketball demands. He's shooting 38% from three-point range while averaging 7.8 rebounds—making him one of only five players in the league averaging at least 7 rebounds while maintaining that three-point percentage. I've been particularly impressed with his defensive versatility; he can effectively guard multiple positions, which gives Coach Lim tremendous flexibility with his lineups.
The point guard rotation featuring Philip Paniamogan and Matt Nieto has been another strength. Paniamogan's development has been incredible to watch—he's transformed from a catch-and-shoot specialist into a reliable ball-handler who can create for others. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.2-to-1 ranks among the league's best for backup guards. Meanwhile, Nieto brings that championship pedigree from his Ateneo days, providing steady leadership and defensive intensity whenever he's on the court.
What really makes this NLEX team special, in my view, is their collective resilience. I've watched them overcome multiple double-digit deficits this season, showing a mental toughness that was often missing in previous years. They've already matched their win total from the entire previous conference with 18 games still remaining—that's not just improvement, that's a complete transformation. The team chemistry is visibly better, with players consistently communicating on both ends of the floor and genuinely celebrating each other's successes.
The management change to Gregorio has brought fresh energy to the entire organization. From what I've gathered talking to people around the league, he's implemented more progressive training methods and created a more collaborative environment where players have greater input in game planning. This approach appears to be paying dividends, as players seem more invested and engaged than I've seen in years.
Looking at their remaining schedule, I believe NLEX has a legitimate chance to secure a top-four finish and the twice-to-beat advantage that comes with it. Their remaining opponents have a combined winning percentage of just .487, giving them one of the easier schedules among playoff contenders. If they can maintain their current defensive intensity while continuing to get efficient scoring from Trollano and Alas, I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a deep playoff run.
Having watched countless PBA seasons unfold, I can confidently say this NLEX team has that special quality that makes playoff surprises possible. They play with a chip on their shoulder, have multiple players capable of taking over games, and most importantly, they believe in each other. While they might not have the star power of some other teams, their collective identity and defensive commitment make them a tough matchup for anyone. The Road Warriors have truly earned their name this season, overcoming obstacles and exceeding expectations at every turn.
