NLEX adds Evan Nelle to roster revamp

FILE–Evan Nelle shoots during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against Barangay Ginebra.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—In his first move since being appointed as the new coach of NLEX, Jimmy Alapag brought in Evan Nelle to boost the Road Warriors’ backcourt ahead of the upcoming PBA Governors’ Cup.

Nelle and Alapag are no strangers to each other.

Two years ago, Nelle went to California to hone his skills under the guidance of Alapag, who was then the developmental coach of the Sacramento Kings in the NBA.

READ: After US coaching journey, Alapag gets his big break in PBA

NLEX acquired Nelle from Phoenix in exchange for forward Sidney Onwubere in a straight swap.

“Welcome to NLEX, Evan Nelle! A floor general who thrives under pressure, sees every play before it unfolds,” the team wrote in a post on social media on Tuesday.

“The journey starts now and we’re coming full speed.”

Nelle was a vital piece for the Fuel Masters in the Commissioner’s Cup, where they reached the quarterfinals with a 6-6 record before getting eliminated by eventual champions Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.

Now, the 28-year-old point guard, who are among the few players to win titles in the UAAP and NCAA, bolsters an NLEX side, which had a promising yet disappointing campaign last conference, where they suffered a quarterfinal exit as the top seed.

Nelle joins a star-studded NLEX backcourt featuring MVP candidate Robert Bolick, Kevin Alas and young gun LJay Gonzales.

The Road Warriors will headline the Governors’ Cup opener on Friday, taking on guest team Macau Giant Pandas at Ynares Center in Antipolo.