Jason Perkins headlines Merlion Cup-bound NLEX-SCTEX

One last run for the core of the Cignal HD Hawkeyes

The NLEX-SCTEX group has announced that they are forming a team to be this year’s Philippine representatives to the 2017 Merlion Cup. The tournament will be held at the OCBC Arena Hall 1 in Singapore from September 20-24, 2017.

“We are thankful that the NLEX management, Boss Mon Fernandez, Boss Rod Franco, Boss Chris Lizo, and Boss Ronald Dulatre gave us this opportunity,” said NLEX-SCTEX team manager Borgie Hermida. “These players are part of the NLEX-SCTEX family that are always ready when called up.

“We are proud to represent the country and the company.”

The Road Warriors team is headlined by Jason Perkins, who was a constant during the 2017 PBA D-League campaign of Cignal HD.

Joining Perkins are former Hawkeyes Oping Sumalinog, Pamboy Raymundo, Byron Villarias, Alfred Batino, Andreas Cahilig, and Harold Arboleda. Former NLEX and SCTEX players AJ Vitug, Mark Pangilinan, and Jaypee Belencion beef up the Philippine representatives to the invitational tournament.

NLEX-SCTEX also tapped a foreign reinforcement in the 6-foot-9 Maurice Shaw. Shaw, 32, had gone undrafted during the 2006 NBA Draft and is currently playing in the Thailand Basketball Super League.

The company has yet to announce a 12th player to complete the line-up.

NLEX assistant coach Jojo Lastimosa will serve as the team’s head coach.

This year’s Merlion Cup will feature seven of the best club teams in Asia, including hosts Singapore Slingers, the Shanghai Sharks (China), the Satria Muda Pertamina (Indonesia), the Yulon Luxgen Dinos (Taiwan), the Jeonju KCC Egis (South Korea), and the Adelaide 36ers (Australia).

Last year, Mighty Sports-Philippines finished second in the tournament, as the Sharks defeated the Kiefer Ravena-led squad, 78-77, in the final.