As the 12:00 PM deadline for lineup changes passed on Thursday, NLEX did not submit a replacement for DeQuan Jones.
The Road Warriors have opted to go all-Filipino for their 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup clash against the Converge FiberXers on Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Jones suffered a severe injury last Tuesday during NLEX’s game against TNT.
With 7:27 remaining in the third quarter at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Jones drove to the basket and collided with Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser. As the two players fell, Ganuelas-Rosser’s body landed on Jones’ right leg.
The impact resulted in an ankle dislocation, a complete fibular fracture, and a medial malleolar fracture.
Despite the injury, NLEX went on to win the game in overtime, 118-111.
(C) PBA Images
Jones has since undergone surgery for the ankle dislocation at Cardinal Santos Medical Center and is scheduled for another procedure.
The Road Warriors currently lead Group A with a 7-1 record, while the FiberXers sit fourth at 4-4.
NLEX plans to use the upcoming league break for Gilas Pilipinas Men’s campaigns in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers and the 2026 Asian Games to search for the right replacement for Jones.
Robert Bolick, however, knows finding a suitable replacement will be a difficult task.
“Siya yung Justin Brownlee sa team namin,” said Bolick.
“Ang bait, ang aga sa practice. Bihira kang makakuha ng ganoong import, e. Nakaka-panghinayang,” he continued, referring to Jones, who averaged 24.88 points and 7.63 rebounds through their first eight games.
“Naaawa ako sa kanya. Sobra niyang importante sa team.”
