NLEX TESTS GLOBALPORT NEW IMPORT

NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez must be getting the hang of the Road Warriors laying out the introductory carpet for new imports this conference.

While his squad has remained confident with Al Thornton, the Road Warriors have coincidentally been facing opponents that are parading new imports.

Losing to Purefoods in Daniel Orton’s debut game and to Talk ‘N Text when they tapped the services of Ivan Johnson, Fernandez is hoping for a different result this time as they welcome GlobalPort’s new import Derrick Caracter on Sunday when the two teams collide at the Cuneta Astrodome in the homestretch of the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

“Parang pag naglaro kami sa isang team at nagpalit sila ng import, kami lagi ang unang tinatalo eh,” Fernandez noted. “Sana magbago ang sitwasyon ngayon.”

The Batang Pier acquired the services of the 6-foot-8 15/16 Caracter, a former LA Laker, after Calvin Warner had to go back to the United States to attend to some personal matters.

“It would be tough that we haven’t seen Caracter play, but we have a little bit of scouting report on him. Even with a new import, GlobalPort is a strong team so it would really be a tough one,” Fernandez said. “Of course, if you’re an NBA player, you are good.”

And he should know, because four days prior, Thornton, a four-year NBA veteran on his own right, dropped a conference-high 50 points to tow NLEX past Barangay Ginebra, further extending its first-ever win streak in franchise history to three.

Currently tied with the Kings with their identical 4-4 records, NLEX and GlobalPort will part ways after their 4:15 p.m. game, hoping to move up in the standings and nearer one of the eight playoff berths.

Fernandez is wishing his team will be on the winning side after the game.

“We’re hoping that we’ll not stop here and continue working very hard,” he said. (RL)

Don't miss out on the latest news and information.

For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.