Import Alexander gives NLEX reasons to keep him after big game vs Alaska
Romeo Travis of Alaska (dark) vs Kwame Alexander of NLEX (light)
With a possible replacement waiting in the wings, Kwame Alexander believes he gave the NLEX management enough reason to keep him as the team’s import after leading the Road Warriors to a much-needed win over the Alaska Aces on Tuesday.
Alexander had an efficient 28-point outing that went with 11 rebounds exactly a week after a subpar output in a lopsided loss to Talk ‘N Text.
“I think I do that every game. But I believe I’ve proven so,” said the high-flying Alexander, when asked if he was able to prove himself he’s worthy of another shot.
There have been rumors about replacing Alexander and NLEX head coach Boyet Fernandez confirmed it before a throng of reporters during his post-game interview after a 113-102 victory over the Aces.
READ: PBA: NLEX snaps skid, trips Alaska
“We talked to him last time about the situation that happened against Talk ‘N Text,” Fernandez said. “We were in the game but he missed all four shots we instructed him to attack the basket just like what he’s been doing right now, he’s been attacking the basket all the time — that’s what I told him in our game against Talk ‘N Text and he kept on shooting the outside shot and even took a three-point shot.”
“I told him, ‘you really have to show a lot of energy due to the fact that we took him from Greece knowing that his energy is really high that he can bring much energy and intensity to this team.”
Fernandez also thinks the long-haired Alexander gave himself a good chance of keeping his job.
“We have, we’re thinking about it. But right now, with the way he played, mahirap naman yung nanalo tapos papalitan mo (it’s hard to replace someone after leading a team to a win),” he said.
“I think he gave himself a chance to stay. And hopefully, he knows how important he is to this team. And hopefully in the next few days in our preparation in our game against San Miguel he will be ready,” Fernandez added.
Former Barako Bull import Joshua Dollard is said to be NLEX’s backup in case the management decides to part ways with Alexander.
Dollard led the league in scoring at 32.6 points per game during his PBA stint in the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup. He also normed a little over 15 rebounds per game.
“The team, I believe they like me and they did not want me to leave. It was more of a sense of urgency for them and for me. I thank the team for that, for sticking with me. It’s a good thing we won and I might stay a little longer,” Alexander said. “But business is business. Hopefully it carries over.” CC
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