As the NLEX Road Warriors gathered for a sendoff mass on Friday at the company compound in Balintawak, there was a strong sense of anticipation.
The Road Warriors, which had been in recovery mode for the past two months, are now gearing up for the start of the season-ending 2025 PBA Philippine Cup.
“We’ve been through a lot this offseason — recovery, training, and team-building activities. I am confident we are ready for the challenges ahead,” said NLEX governor Ronald Dulatre.
“This year, we have done something different. We invested in a holistic team-building program, which not only involved our practices, drills, and bonding inside the court, but also through community outreach, a training camp, and a leadership seminar. It’s the first time we’ve done this, and a big part of it is due to Coach Jong Uichico’s guidance,” Dulatre added.
The Road Warriors experienced a roller-coaster ride in the past two conferences, suffering a quarterfinal exit in the Governors’ Cup before just missing out on the playoffs by just a game in the Commissioner’s Cup.
But this time around, there’s a sense of optimism and determination.
With rookies Jonnel Policarpio, Brandon Ramirez, Xyrus Torres, and JB Bahio fully immersed in Uichico’s system, NLEX is poised to make a stronger push in the upcoming conference.
Veterans Robert Bolick and Kevin Alas will continue to serve as the pillars of the Road Warriors, with Uichico emphasizing their importance in steering the team through both on and off the court.
“Expectations will be high for us this time. We have full trust in Coach Jong’s system. This is just his first year with the team, and we know that with his experience, we’re heading in the right direction,” said Dulatre.
Dulatre also expressed confidence in the team’s potential for growth in the 50th season of the PBA.
“We have three first-round picks in the next two drafts, including Blackwater’s first-round pick in the PBA Season 51 Draft. We also have plans to talk to Kiefer (Ravena) once his contract in Japan ends. The future looks bright for the team with the leadership of Coach Jong,” Dulatre added.
