PBA: Jonathon Simmons eyes 4-0 stint with NLEX, thinks replacement Selden ‘a good fit’

Jonathon Simmons. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—After towing NLEX past TNT on Wednesday, Jonathon Simmons only has one game left to play for the Road Warriors before he returns to China in the Chinese Basketball Association.

Despite a short PBA stint, Simmons only has good things to say about his experience.

“I didn’t know what to expect coming here. I just heard good things, It’s a good place to be as far as living and food. Coach and the guys made it easy for me to transition and come in to be a part of such a great organization,” said the former NBA veteran.

The 33-year-old swingman will play his last game against Phoenix on Saturday in Antipolo, aiming to fulfill his promise to give NLEX a 4-0 record before he leaves.

The Road Warriors improved to 3-0 on Wednesday night after Simmons led a 110-108 comeback win over the TNT Tropang Giga with 45 points and 12 rebounds.

“I don’t know what happened or why we won the game. I thought it was a lost ball game but give credit to this guy. He brought us back,” said NLEX coach Frankie Lim.

Wayne Selden, who is also an ex-NBA vet, has been tapped as Simmons’ replacement.

“I’ll probably have a few words with him just to give him a feel of the guys and coach. I think he’ll be a good fit,” said Simmons, who played four NBA seasons like the 28-year-old Selden.

Lim said Simmons will leave for China on Sunday just three days before NLEX’s clash with Barangay Ginebra.

“I was asking him to stay for one more game against Ginebra but they want him to leave right away. I believe he’s leaving on Sunday.”