Olu Ashaolu gets head start for Road Warriors’ Governors’ Cup preps

MANILA, Philippines—Olu Ashaolu was supposed to be NLEX’s foreign reinforcement in the Governors’ Cup, but the Road Warriors gladly slid him into the lineup for the remainder of the Commissioner’s Cup.

The Road Warriors are already out of playoff contention and their remaining three games would allow Ashaolu to get his rhythm quicker and give him a head start for the third conference.

Ashaolu, who first played for NLEX in the 2018 Governors’ Cup, replaced Tony Mitchell and the 6-foot-5 big man from Oregon said he’s glad to be back to the club for bringing him back.

“I’m very eager, it’s something that I’ve been looking forward to since the injury,” said Ashaolu after leading the Road Warriors to the 100-97 win over Rain or Shine Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I’m happy to be back here, the team welcomes me with open arms so I’m just going to do my part and try to win as many games as possible.”

Ashaolu suffered a partially torn patellar tendon in his right knee in his previous stint with the Road Warriors cutting short his first PBA tenure, but this same setback is what’s motivating the 6-foot-5 forward.

His first game back saw him put up 26 points, on 10-of-22 shooting, 13 rebounds, and six assists with the Road Warriors improving to a 2-7 record.

“Personally I don’t think I had a great showing, my legs were a little heavy and I didn’t really make my jump shots,” said Ashaolu who last played for the St. John’s Edge in the National Basketball League of Canada.

Nevertheless, the jovial big was grateful for head coach Yeng Guiao for trusting him and bringing him back to the team.

“I’m very fortunate for this [early play with the team], coach Yeng felt it was best to try and bring me early,” said Ashaolu. “It’s kind of the same team as last year with a few new additions. I’m happy to be here and get going with the guys.”