For only the second time in franchise history, NLEX has climbed to the summit of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations, finishing as the No. 1 seed in Season 50 and earning a crucial twice-to-beat edge heading into the quarterfinals.
But the milestone finish was not just fueled by a late surge or a fortunate run. It also came from the steady execution of a system built on trust and an unwavering commitment to team-first basketball.
From the onset of the conference, NLEX carried a quiet conviction that its carefully assembled roster had the right balance to contend with the league’s elite. While several contenders leaned on imports with NBA pedigrees, the Road Warriors opted for a different route — prioritizing fit over flair in selecting a reinforcement for head coach Jong Uichico’s system.
That decision led them to Cady Lalanne.
(C) PBA Images
In a league where imports are often judged first by highlight reels and scoring bursts, Lalanne’s impact came in subtler but more sustainable ways. And it was exactly the kind of profile NLEX was searching for.
“What we really liked about Cady was his attitude,” said Uichico. “He’s very coachable and gets along with his teammates. His demeanor on the court also does not change much. He handles himself in a very professional manner.”
Lalanne justified that trust with consistency across the eliminations, anchoring the paint with averages of 26.0 points, 15.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per outing while shooting 49.6% from the field.
NLEX began its campaign with a promising two-game start before absorbing its first loss against the Bol Bol-led TNT Tropang 5G. Rather than spiral, the Road Warriors quickly recalibrated, stringing together a four-game winning streak highlighted by L-Jay Gonzales’ buzzer-beating triple to topple Meralco in dramatic fashion.
A setback against San Miguel later in the conference could have derailed momentum, but instead, it served as fuel. NLEX responded with another four-game run, eventually sealing the top seed after an overtime victory over Titan Ultra that confirmed their twice-to-beat advantage.
The Road Warriors now shift their focus to a familiar but formidable foe in the quarterfinals: sister team TNT, which is reinforced by imposing import Bol Bol. Their playoff campaign begins Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
For team governor Ronald Dulatre, the breakthrough season has been rooted in a delicate balance of stability and timely adjustments.
(C) PBA Images
“We’re a big believer in keeping our core intact,” said Dulatre. “But when we had the opportunity to trade for Schonny Winston, we pulled the trigger because we knew he could have a big role for the team. The additions we’ve made have strengthened the team.
“More than talent, it’s how we’ve come together as one unit that makes the difference.”
Winston’s arrival proved pivotal, immediately slotting into the rotation. He started all 12 elimination games while finishing as the team’s second-leading local scorer at 16.7 points per outing.
Still, the heartbeat of NLEX’s campaign has been Robert Bolick, who continues to elevate his status as one of the league’s premier guards and a strong Best Player of the Conference contender.
Bolick posted all-around numbers of 20.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, while shooting 39% from deep and 59% from two-point range. More than the stat sheet, however, it has been his command in clutch situations that has defined NLEX’s rise.
Time and again, Bolick has delivered in the biggest moments — either by taking over possessions himself or orchestrating game-winning sequences that have benefited teammates like Gonzales, who buried the dagger against Meralco, and JB Bahio, who finished a crucial win over Rain or Shine.
With the eliminations now in the books, NLEX briefly stepped away from the hardwood, heading to Batangas for a short team-building trip designed to strengthen chemistry ahead of the postseason grind.
“We’re happy to finish at number one, but we’re not done yet,” said Uichico.
“We need to put in more work to get to where we want to be.”
Backing the team’s steady rise is the continued support of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, which has remained firmly behind the franchise throughout the conference.
“We’re always thankful to the management because they continue to support us in everything we do,” said Dulatre.
“We want to make our company, our employees, and everyone who supports this team proud as we continue our playoff run.”
