NLEX hopes to duplicate its dominance even with a retooled roster when the new PBA D-League season unfolds next month.
Coach Boyet Fernandez said his Road Warriors hope to build around new recruits Greg Slaughter and Nico Salva of Ateneo following the departure of nine players to the pro league.
“It will be tough for the new recruits,” said Fernandez, who also tapped Adamson’s Eric Camson and Ateneo’s Oping Sumalinog. “They have big shoes to fill.”
The league has recently approved to increase the players’ age limit from 26 to 28, allowing teams to tap more free agents from the pro level.
More teams also aim to challenge the Road Warriors’ bid for a fourth straight crown as four new squads—Jose Rizal University-Air 21, Arellano University, Informatics and HTC Philippines—recently sent their letters of intent to join the league.
“Many teams have beefed up their rosters,” said Fernandez, who lost key cogs Calvin Abueva, Chris Ellis and last conference MVP Cliff Hodge.
Completing the cast are last conference runner-up Big Chill, Blackwater Sports, Cebuana Lhuillier, Boracay Rum, Cagayan Rising Suns, Cafe France and Erase Plantcenta.