NLEX five tests prized D-League recruits today

MANILA, Philippines — Three-time champion NLEX unveils its marquee recruits while Cagayan Valley goes for the early lead in separate games Tuesday in the PBA D-League at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Assembling another star-studded cast, the Road Warriors kick off their bid for a fourth straight crown versus Erase Xfoliant in the Aspirants Cup at 2 p.m.

Ateneo’s Nico Salva and San Beda’s Baser Amer—the two Finals MVP who recently powered their schools to the championship—banner the formidable NLEX squad along with varsity aces Kevin Alas of Letran, Far Eastern U’s RR Garcia, Adamson’s Eric Camson and San Sebastian’s Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual.

Greg Slaughter’s stint with NLEX, though, remains on hold until Ateneo’s towering Fil-Am star secures the required documents from the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation.

“My concern is the team’s chemistry,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez. “We are basically a new team, still a work in progress.”

After a losing debut last conference, the Rising Suns vie to sustain their strong start against Boracay Rum in the second game at 4 p.m.

“We just have to continue to adjust and work on our system,” said Cagayan coach Alvin Pua. “Hopefully we could keep it going.”

The Rising Suns, who dropped all their nine games last conference, won over Informatics, 89-85, in the season opener behind Chris Exciminiano, James Forrester and Adrian Celada.

Fernandez claims his team has yet to train as a unit. “This game is a big test for us,” the mentor said.

The Erasers, meanwhile, tapped Aric del Rosario after the veteran coach steered Perpetual Help to the NCAA Final Four.