For the NLEX Road Warriors, Wednesday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum is something they will cherish for a long time. It was the night when their 13-game skid — which traces back to the 2017 Philippine Cup — ended.
And in their breakthrough victory against the now-slumping Alaska Aces, it was the nine-year veteran forward and new acquisition JR Quiñahan who served as one of the Road Warriors’ anchors.
The wide-bodied 6-foot-6 stretched big man, who had just played his second game with NLEX, made an impact with 16 points on 58 percent shooting alongside seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 26 minutes of action.
It was just his second outing with his new team, but clearly, adjustments were never an issue. Quiñahan has been one of coach Yeng Guiao’s reliables for years now, ever since their days with Burger King Whoppers up to their time with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
“Kahit second game ko pa lang, yung sistema ni coach, nasa utak ko na yun eh. Kahit nasa ibang team ako, yung sistema pa rin niya yung pumapasok eh, kasi sa tagal na, buong career ko yata, nasa kanya ako,” said the 10-year veteran.
“At tsaka sa game, wala naman kaming ibang inisip kundi just to play lang, kasi ito na yung start namin for the next conference. Magpakita lang kami, okay na kay coach yun, basta makita niya na nagi-improve yung team.”
NLEX’s victory may have arrived late to the party, but it is something they will take wholeheartedly. Their sights are now set on the season-ending Governor’s Cup, and Quiñahan believes that the team will fare better in that conference.
“Sa pagkakakilala ko kasi kay coach at sistema, malaki ang chance at alam ko talaga na may chance kami for the next conference na makapag-compete na talaga sa ibang team,” said Quiñahan.
