The NLEX-SCTEX Road Warriors only had two weeks of preparation for the upcoming 2017 Merlion Cup in Singapore. And head coach Jojo Lastimosa does not want to expect too much from the quickly-formed squad.
“Alam namin na ‘di pa masyado pulido opensa namin,” admitted the PBA great last Saturday, after their tune-up game versus Isaiah Austin and Chooks to Go Pilipinas at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City in which they lost, 95-83.
The annual tourney, which returned last year after over a decade of hiatus, will feature seven teams. Three teams from Southeast Asia include the Road Warriors, hosts Singapore Slingers, and Satria Muda Pertamina from Indonesia.
The Far East is also well-represented through defending champs Shanghai Sharks from China; Yulon Luxgen Dinos from Taiwan; and Jeonju KCC Egis from South Korea, which might bring in former San Miguel Beermen import Charles Rhodes.
Rounding out the seven club teams is Adelaide 36ers from Australia, a winner of four championships in the National Basketball League in their country.
Lastimosa is aware of the tough competition the Philippine contingent will face. He also knows that they will never reach their top form, but he remains optimistic that his side will improve every single match.
“We’re never gonna get there,” said the 53-year-old mentor, a winner of 10 PBA championships.
“But hopefully we can improve every game. We’re playing right away from Wednesday — tuloy-tuloy na hanggang Sunday.”
A mix of youth and experience, the Road Warriors consist of Jason Perkins, Andreas Cahilig, Oping Sumalinog, Pamboy Raymundo, Toto Villarias, Alfred Batino, Jaypee Belencion, AJ Vitug, Mark Pangilinan, and Harold Arboleda.
NLEX-SCTEX will be reinforced by American Maurice Shaw, a former member of the Harlem Globetrotters. The six-foot-nine, 32-year-old center last played for PEA Basketball Club in the Thailand Basketball League.
“I expect the guys to play hard and enjoy the international competition,” said Lastimosa.
“It could be the first for some guys. I think it will be a good experience for them especially Jason who’s entering the draft. Pati [na rin] kay Cahilig.”
The 2017 Merlion Cup will tip off today, Wednesday, September 20. The Road Warriors’ first game will be against KCC Egis at 8:30 in the evening.
