PBA: NLEX defers quick DeQuan Jones replacement, goes all-Filipino vs Converge

NLEX may need more from LJay Gonzales as the team will play an all-Filipino lineup against Converge. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—NLEX ruled out a quick import signing to replace the injured DeQuan Jones and intends to play all-Filipino in its last PBA Governors' Cup game before the Gilas Pilipinas break.

The Road Warriors opted not to bring in a new foreign reinforcement ahead of the 12 noon deadline set by the league for possible roster tweaks ahead of their Friday night showdown against the Converge FiberXers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

This essentially means that NLEX will utilize the two-month joint FIBA and Asian Games window to give whoever the team will sign up as Jones' replacement more time to learn head coach Jimmy Alapag's system.

Jones successfully underwent surgery to repair the lower leg fracture he suffered during the team's Tuesday night win against TNT and will use the rest of the year and the early stages of 2027 for rehabilitation.

With no import to match up with, Cameron Clark could have a more convenient time to make the most of against the Road Warriors' wingers and bigs.

However, NLEX, currently on top of Group A at 7-1, remains not a pushover, all the more so that point guards Robert Bolick and LJay Gonzales emerged as heroes against TNT.

A win against the FiberXers will officially lock in a quarterfinal spot for the Road Warriors, but the former seemed to have found better footing with Clark, as evidenced by its blowout win against the Terrafirma Dyip.

Converge can move up to solo third place before the two-month lull in action, with TNT already having a break.