NLEX knew that it was bound to happen.
Though it came as a surprise to many, Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao disclosed that KJ McDaniels had actually informed the team ‘as early as last year’ that his stint may become affected due to family reasons.
And that eventuality had become true. The former NBA veteran is set to fly back home to the States sooner as he and his wife are expecting a baby this month, effectively cutting short his second tour of duty in the PBA.
“In fairness to K.J., he already told us about his situation as early as last year, saying his wife expects a baby by March,” the champion mentor, who’s also the ball club’s general manager, told Arangkada NLEX.
This development is indeed a major blow to NLEX, since McDaniels is leaving at such a critical juncture of the 2022 PBA Governors’ Cup. The eliminations are now at its tail-end, with the quarterfinals set two weeks from now.
Photo by PBA Images
But the team wouldn’t actually be in such a tough predicament had it not been for the circumstances brought about by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which affected the league as a whole as well.
It was projected that the conference will play from December to March, but it could now end by April at the latest as the PBA had to stop play when NCR was placed under Alert Level 3 in response to the spike of cases.
The break lasted from January 5 to February 11. And definitely, the 29-year-old would’ve properly ended his campaign had there been no pause.
“We didn’t know that the tournament will be stretched until April because of the suspension of the games,” said Guiao.
Guiao is definitely saddened with this impending departure of McDaniels, whom he feels would help the Road Warriors make a deep playoff run. But he understands at the same time, and will just have to make do without him.
“Sayang, kasi ang laki ng tsansa niya na mag-Best Import and at the same time, we also like our chances of making a deep run with him as reinforcement in the playoffs, or hopefully, make our first-ever Finals appearance,” said the outspoken coach.
“But we have to deal with it.”
McDaniels will play his final game on Friday against reigning champions Barangay Ginebra, where NLEX looks to secure a Top Four finish.
After which, the Road Warriors will roll with Cameron Clark, a Euroleague vet that will take the Clemson product’s place for the rest of the meet.
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