Fernandez surrounds ageless veteran Asi with young guns

MANILA, Philippines -- By injecting young blood to the team in its busy offseason work, NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez is convinced he has enough personnel to surround ageless slotman Asi Taulava as the Road Warriors look forward to a more competitive second season in the PBA.

The Road Warriors stocked up their guard and wing position in the offseason, starting off with former San Beda sharpshooter Garvo Lanete, whom the team selected sixth overall in this year’s rookie draft.

NLEX also added bruising forward Glenn Khobuntin (10th), along with former Centro Escolar University Scorpion big man Alfred Batino (45th).

The team also traded for incoming sophomore Kevin Alas and rookie Fil-Am Simon Enciso to provide stability at the backcourt.

Enciso was originally drafted by the Elasto Painters in the second round (17th), while Alas, last year’s second overall pick, played for Talk ‘N Text last season.

“I’m really looking for the future because just the fact we have rookies and young guys who are athletic, players who can play multiple positions, it will be good for the team,” Fernandez told Philstar.com.

“And if we can make Asi stay healthy the next few years, we’ll be a team to reckon with. Pero sa ngayon, siguro huwag muna kami titingin sa dulo, but the way we improved now, masaya naman ako.”

At the moment, the 42-year-old Taulava is on leave due to his two-month stint with Gilas Pilipinas, which finished second in the recent Fiba-Asia men’s championships.

The 44-year-old NLEX coach said he doesn’t want to interfere with the 6-foot-9 Taulava’s projected two-week respite to ensure the Fil-Tongan stays healthy and ready for the new season.

“We’re checking on our PTs (physical therapists) kung ano ang mare-recommend nila kay Asi. But it depends on Asi’s decision kung kelan niya gusto bumalik, pero ima-manage ko lang ang minutes niya,” explained Fernandez, who guided the Road Warriors to six PBA D-League championships.

NLEX opens its 41st season campaign against Blackwater on Oct. 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.