Fernandez happy to have experienced Lanete back in tow for NLEX
Garvo Lanete goes to NLEX. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Rain or Shine’s surprise choice of Maverick Ahanmisi at No. 3 disrupted the flow of the draft but somehow, someway, NLEX knew that no matter what happens, the Road Warriors would get what they wanted.
NLEX head coach Boyet Fernandez had an eye out for his former player Garvo Lanete and when the former San Beda star was still available at No. 6, the Road Warriors knew what to do next.
“Alam na namin yon. We knew he (Ahanmisi) was going to get picked inside he top 10. We knew who we’re looking for and we knew we were going to get him (Lanete),” Fernandez told INQUIRER.net.
Lanete is a favorite of Fernandez having handled him before when NLEX was still in the PBA D-League.
“Gabo has been part of NLEX. People have been saying he’s injured but to me, he can recover from it right away. He’s been part of NLEX before and we’re not going to go for someone else other than him,” said Fernandez.
Fernandez believes NLEX drafted someone who needs minimal adjustments playing in the PBA with Lanete’s vast experience during his stint in the D-League and in the international stage as part of Gilas cadets.
“He’s not a rookie anymore. He’s an experienced player. With Garvo, we can spread the floor for Asi (Taulava),” he said.
Lanete was also the best available talent for NLEX at sixth.
“Torres was still available for us but Garvo is the best available talent for us.”
Aside from Lanete, Fernandez also thinks NLEX got another gem in drafting National University forward Glenn Khobuntin at 10th.
“What he (Khobuntin) can bring for us is his physical play. He’s a bruiser and a national team member and an all-around player.”
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