NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez. PBA IMAGES
The PBA Governors’ Cup is just days away but NLEX is still dealing with few bumps and cracks.
Just days away from the Road Warriors’ opening game on July 16, head coach Boyet Fernandez admitted the team is still not in tiptop shape.
Veteran big man Asi Taulava is still recovering from his knee surgery while forward Sean Anthony is suffering from a sprained ankle.
NLEX’s Asian import Rodrigue Aki is also in the sideline with a calf strain.
Taulava, Aki, and Anthony did not play in NLEX’s tune-up game against Star Saturday at Ronac Art Center.
Despite injuries to his main players, Fernandez remained upbeat they will be a complete team come their opener.
“I’m hoping they’ll be ready for the first game,” said Fernandez. “Minor injuries lang naman and si Asi di naman talaga minor injury kasi galing siyang surgery, basically healing na siya.”
Fernandez said they had Taulava’s knee cleaned to help it recover from the wear-and-tear of the PBA season considering the former MVP is 43 years of age.
“Hopefully he’ll be ready and until he’s not 100 percent, I won’t force him.”