After reaching the top of the standings but falling short when it mattered most, NLEX is banking on something familiar to help change its postseason fortunes.
The Road Warriors have decided not to roll the dice on a new reinforcement for the upcoming PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, instead bringing back former NBA player DeQuan Jones for another tour of duty.
The move signals a clear direction for NLEX: continuity over experimentation.
Team governor Ronald Dulatre confirmed that Jones is set to arrive Monday morning as the Road Warriors begin preparations for the season-ending conference, which opens on July 10.
Jones returns to a team that experienced both the highs and frustrations of the past season.
NLEX emerged as the No. 1 seed in the Commissioner’s Cup, only to suffer a stunning quarterfinal exit at the hands of eventual champion TNT despite holding the twice-to-beat advantage.
Now, the Road Warriors are hoping familiarity can become an advantage.
The 35-year-old import is no stranger to the franchise after joining NLEX midway through last season’s Governors’ Cup as a replacement for Myke Henry. Though his stint lasted only part of the conference, Jones helped stabilize the squad and guided it into the playoffs with a 3-4 record during the eliminations.
His return also continues a growing trend around the league, with teams opting to reunite with proven imports rather than start from scratch. Barangay Ginebra is bringing back Justin Brownlee, while Rain or Shine has once again tapped Aaron Fuller.
For NLEX, Jones offers more than just familiarity.
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A second chance. A familiar fit.
NLEX is bringing back DeQuan Jones as its import for the upcoming PBA Governors’ Cup, banking on his experience, chemistry with the team, and proven production in his previous stint with the Road Warriors.
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The athletic forward owns one of the more diverse basketball résumés among imports in the league. After a stint with the NBA’s Orlando Magic, he carved out a lengthy international career that took him through Italy, Japan, France, China, and Israel. He also earned recognition in the NBA G League, where he was once named Most Improved Player and captured a Slam Dunk Contest title.
His connection to Philippine basketball runs deeper as well.
Jones previously played alongside former NLEX star Kiefer Ravena with Shiga Lakes in Japan’s B.League. Ravena was instrumental in recommending the veteran forward to the Road Warriors before Jones first arrived in the PBA.
Now, Jones returns to a roster that already knows what he brings to the table.
The challenge, however, is bigger than simply making the playoffs. NLEX has already proven it can compete with the league’s best during the elimination round. The next step is ensuring that success carries over when the pressure intensifies in the postseason.
With DeQuan Jones back in the fold, the Road Warriors are betting that a familiar face can help them finish what they started.
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