Wayne Selden vows more energy as NLEX drops first game after import change

NLEX import Wayne Selden. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Wayne Selden opted to look at the positives after an impressive debut as NLEX import in the PBA Governors’ Cup ended with a stunning defeat to Barangay Ginebra.

Selden put up 43 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals on Wednesday but the Road Warriors couldn’t close it out and lost 114-111 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The setback ended NLEX’s unbeaten run of four straight wins to start the season-ending conference with original import Jonathon Simmons, who left after resuming his pro career in China.

“We got a lot of potential,” Selden said. “That’s a great group of guys [and] I’m happy with the guys. We worked hard tonight, [we] just made a couple of mistakes on defense and I know we’ll be better next game.”

His opening act seems to be a sign that NLEX may not have to worry too much of how it can fill the void left by his fellow ex-NBA player in Simmons, whose short stay impacted the whole team in a positive direction.

And Selden acknowledges that it’s a task that he’s accepting right away.

“I got a responsibility to the team, to the staff, to the coaches to be as good as I can be, be a leader,” said the former Memphis Grizzlies cager, vowing to atone for his own shortcomings.

“Got a little tired down the stretch tonight, but it’s no excuse. The next game, I’ll have more energy, for sure.”